IOSR-JHSS   Volume-7 ~ Issue-3 ~ Jan-Feb-2013

Abstract:Travelogue played a vital role in developing Arabic Language and its culture in Africa especially during the medieval period. At this point in time Arabs and non-Arabs became adventurers who made tour to African countries at large and West Africa in particular. Such travelers include IbnBatūta, IbnKhaldūn, al- Bakri al-Mas'ūdī among others. Their documentation of events serves as a great treasure in preserving environment, state and culture of Islam in those countries visited. Shaykh Ibrahim al-Kawlakhi of Senegal'sNaylul-MafāzbilAwdiIlal-Hijāz is an excerpt from Majmū' al-Rihlātush Shaykh Ibrahim (The compendium of Shaykh Ibrahim's journey), it is a 71 lines poem rendering an account of his journey to Nigeria on his way to and from the Holy land for pilgrimage. This paper commences with a brief biographical account of the erudite Sūfī poet, English translation of the poems precedes the content analysis of the poems. The poem is a comprehensive record of Sufi leaders in Nigeria, important eminence and even security men who joined his admirers in welcoming him with aura of dignity. His vivid description reveals love, kind gesture and rare hospitality received from his hosts. The influence of the poem on West Africa Sufi writers and adherents concludes the work.

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BonamyDobrée and Norman Davis. London: Oxford University Press, p. 717
[5] Al-Da‟mi M (1986). The Western Variant: The Orient, Orientalism, Literature of the Desert (in Arabic). Baghdad: Cultural
Affairs, p.135
[6] Humood Al-Sa‟adoon B. K (2002). The Arab East in the eyes of western women: the female response to oriental life with
specific reference to Harriet Martineau, Gertrude Bell and Freya Stark. A Masters. Dissertation in the Council of the College of
Education for Women, University of Baghdad, p2
[7] El-Shihibi, F. A (2006). Travel genre in Arabic literature: A selective literary and historical study. Dissertation.com, 127pp.
Retrieved April 27, 2012 from http://books.google.com.ng/books?id=GBOIIqNA23QC.
[8] Shaykh Ibrahim Abdullahi (1993). Majmū' al-Rihlātush Shaykh Ibrahim. Senegal: Compiled by Shaykh Muhammad al-Amin
Nyass
[9] S.A Shittu (2008). Appraisal and Translation of Tabsiratul-'Anam fi anal 'ilmaHuwal-Imam, Mirror to the world: that
knowledge is the leader. Ibadan: Tao Publisher, p 3
[10] D.A.A. Tijani (1991): "Sufism in the Arabic Poems of Shaykh Ibrahim Niass al-Kawlakhi", A Ph.D Thesis in the Department of
Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, p. 77

Abstract: Minority people are facing challenges in Bangladesh for decades on the impacts of State's denial of rights to a section of people in the country. Rulers always use law to realize their dishonest intention. Bangladesh got such experience for several times. When State appears to be the best patron to the process of discrimination, injustice and violation, the targeted communities are deprived of their economic, political and cultural existence. In Bangladesh, because of the prevailing 'Constitutional equality and moderate Muslim democracy' propaganda, the agonies of vanishing minorities go unknown and unheard to international communities. Denying people's rights equality and democracy becomes meaningless, which ultimately benefits none. For a sustainable development State must embrace all including minorities, with due honor and respect
Key Words: Group, persecution, religious minority, violation, vanishing minority.

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Abstract:The current study is aimed at critical discourse analysis of the news headlines about Imran Khan‟s peace march towards Waziristan. Twenty news headlines were randomly selected from local English papers, local Urdu papers and foreign English papers. The critical discourse analysis of research data elucidated how a single news item was differently presented in different newspapers based on the ideological perspectives of their editors. The local papers aimed at highlighting the political dimension of peace march and it tried to focus on the criticism raised by the politicians against Imran Khan while the foreign papers adopted a more direct approach by advocating the issue of drone attacks and criticizing the role of Pakistani government policies in creating hindrances in the march. Another significant point of foreign media was the specific focus on the participation of Americans in peace march termed as "protest against drone attacks" by the press. The study concludes that news are representation of editor‟s ideologies and it depicts their political, personal and national inclination in spite of their claim to be unbiased and neutral in their approach.
Key words: News Headlines, peace march, drone attacks, ideology, critical discourse analysis

[1] Dijk, V. (1988). News as Discourse. New Jersey & London: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates Publication
[2] Develotte, C., & Rechniewski, E. (2001). Discourse analysis of newspaper headlines: A methodological framework for research into
national representations. Web Journal of French Media Studies Volume 4, Number 1, Accessed on October 27th 2012 from
http://wjfms.ncl.ac.uk/joed4.htm.
[3] Dijk, V. (1988). News as Discourse. New Jersey & London: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates Publication
[4] Dijk, V. (2000).Ideology and discourse –A Multidisciplinary Introduction. Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona.
[5] Fairclough, N. (2000). Language and Power. 2nd edition. New York.
[6] Izadi,F, F & Saghaye-Biria, L. (2000) A Discourse Analysis of Elite American Newspaper Editorials The Case of Iran's Nuclear
Program. Journal of communication inquiry, volume 31 number 2, pg no 140-165. Sage publications accessed on 26th October 2012.
http://jci.sagepub.com.
[7] Olowe J. (1993) Language and Ideology in Nigerian Newspapers in the English Medium. An Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Obafemi
Awolowo University Ile-Ife.
[8] P. López-Rabadán & A. Casero-Ripollés (2012): "Evolution of the Spanish media agenda (1980-2010). Longitudinal analysis of the
front pages of two of the most important Spanish newspapers", at Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, 67. La Laguna (Tenerife):
La Laguna University, pages 459 to 480 retrieved on 30th October 2012 from
http://www.revistalatinacs.org/067/art/964_Castellon/20_Caseroen.html
[9] Sheyholislami, J. (2001). Critical discourse analysis. Accessed on 28th October 2012 .from http://httpserver.
carleton.ca/~jsheyhol/CDA.htm.
[10] Taiwo R. (2004) "Speech as Headline in Nigerian Newspapers", in Segun Awonusi and E. A. Babalola, eds The Domestication of
English in Nigeria. (Lagos: University of Lagos Press 2004. 323 –335).

Abstract:Regional disparities are caused by a number of factors that lead to misallocation, under utilization of resource, etc. Regional disparities lead to various economic, social and cultural problems. In micro-level study, regional disparity is a key factor for development. Especially, for health care infrastructures it becomes a key issue in that region. Health condition of any person shows its economic strength and working ability. It is the way of development.It is the primary need to human beings. In the present paper analyses has been made to study the imbalances in the level of development with spatial emphases on the regional dimension. To analyze the regional disparities of nineteen blocks of Birbhum district, eight variables have been selected.The Deprivation Index and Development Index of every blocks and every variables have done through calculation.In the analysis it has been observed that, the blocks of Sainthia, Bolpur-Santiniketan and Labpur are the more developed blocks in respect to health care infrastructure and the blocks of Nalhati-I, Suri-I, Mayureswar-I and II are the less developed blocks , which needs more planning to develop the health care infrastructure.
Keywords: Regional disparities, Deprivation Index, Development Index, Health care infrastructures, Micro-level.

[1] Debapriya, A. and Mohanty, M.K. (2006). Inter District Variation in the level of Industrial Development of Orissa: A Quantitative
Analysis, Asian Economic Review, Vol. 48, No.1.
[2] Debapriya, A. and Mohanty, M.K. (2000). Inter District Variation in the Level of Human development in Orissa, Utkal Economic
paper, vol-12, pp.50-53
[3] Jishi, Samir (1997). Regional Disparities in Industrial Development, Indian Journal of Regional Science, Vol. 29, No.1.
[4] Krishan, G. (2000). Development, Environment and Decentralized Planning, Presidential Address, 22 Indian Geography
Congress (NAGI), Dhawad (Karnataka), India.
[5] Krishan, G. (2001). Presidential address:. Development, Environment and Decentralized planning, Annals of NAGI, Vol. 21,
No.1, Jan- 2001pp.2-22.
[6] Singh R. (2006). Regional Disparities in level of socio-economic Development in post Reforms Period: A District level
Analysis, Annals of NAGI, Vol. 26, Dec., No.2, pp.87-94.
[7] District Statistical Handbook of Birbhum, 2007-2008
[8] Human Development Report of Birbhum District 2007

Abstract: The history of nations, right from the period of evolution through the middle ages and the modern world, has been fraught with one form of interaction or another. Such interactions may come in form of war, politics, economic or culture. In the process of interaction in the life of such nations, security concerns are always very important either to protect its citizens internally or to defend its geographical space or both. This concern for security propels nations into developing military means, such as that of Hitler's Germany and Mussolini's Italy. Therefore, the love for security and expansion compel nations to embrace militarism. In other words, militarism is seen as a significant element in the preservation of a nation's territorial boundary and imperialist expansion. The Ibadan of our period replicated our ongoing analysis. In this regard, this paper takes a look at the predominance of militarism in the pre-colonial Ibadan society and how the military class exalted military virtues and ideals above all other means to build a society that served the needs of their time.
Keywords: Slaves, Wars, Ibadan, Pre-Colonial, Nigeria

[1] Afolayan, F. (1986) "Warfare and Slavery in the nineteenth century Yorubaland‟, a paper read at the National Conference on the
centenary of the Kiriji/Ekitiparapo Peace Treaty, held at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, 21st –
26th, September, 1986
[2] Ajayi, J.F.A and R. S. Smith, (1964) Yoruba Warfare in the nineteenth century, (London)
[3] Akinola G.A (1971) "Slavery and Slave Revolts in the Sultanate of Zanzibar in the Nineteenth entury‟, J.H.S.N., 6, 2, June, 1972,
222-224.
[4] Akintoye, S. A. (1971) Revolution and Power politics in Yorubaland 1840-1893; Ibadan Expansion and the Rise of Ekiti-Parapo,
(London: Longman)
[5] Akintoye, S. A. (1980) The Economic Foundations of Ibadan‟s Power in the Nineteenth Century" in I.A Akinjogbin and S.O Osoba,
(ed.) Topics on Nigerian Economic and Social History, (Ile-Ife: University of Ile-ife Press)
[6] Awe,B.A (1964) "The Rise of Ibadan as a Yoruba Power in the Nineteenth Century‟, D. Phil., (Oxford)
[7] Ayorinde, J. A. Chief (70+), Ekarun Olubadan. Interviewed at his residence, NW6/105, Ekotedo, Ibadan
[8] Biobaku, S.O. (1964) The Egba and their Neighbours1842-1872, (Oxford: Clarendon Press)
[9] Bioku T. B (80+), Mogaji Bioku. Interviewed at his residence in Oranyan, Ibadan.
[10] C. O. 147/48, Statement made by His Majesty, King Owa Agunloye-bi-Oyinbo, January 12, 1862, cited in Rowe to Kimberley,
March 14, 1882

Abstract: This paper is a comparative study of Henshaw's This is our Chance and Soyinka's The Lion and the Jewel. The basic methodological approach adopted here is context analysis of the two plays under study with the primary aim of foregrounding the commonality in them, especially in the area of characterization and in so doing, inferring influence. Both comedies are light-hearted and satirical and portray societies in transition from outmoded tradition to modernity. Both dramatize the issue of cultural conflict. Both plays present characters on two polar opposites—tradition and modernity—who are pitted against each other. On the side of modernity in both plays are Bambulu and Lakunle while on tradition, are Damba and Baroka. While Bambulu is portrayed as fraught with bright ideas, and the one destined to transform his community from darkness to a glorious dawn, Lakunle is still too immature to make any significant mark. Chiefs Damba and Baroka are core traditionalists. But while Damba opts for change to positively affect a repressive aspect of tradition, Baroka remains dogged in his adherence to tradition. It is also evident that Soyinka has emulated the theatrical techniques of Henshaw in especially repeating the bombastic lines of Bambulu. Both playwrights are guided by the need to preserve progressive aspects of tradition and to graft upon them the best from other cultures. Values are inherent in our culture and foundational for the judgment and assimilation of the new ways. Traditional institutions should not be totally discarded, they can still answer people's needs.

[1] Dasylva, O. Ademola. Studies in Drama. Ibadan: Stirling-Horden Publishers, 1997
[2] Edet, R. Nkoyo. The Resilience of Religious Tradition in the Dramas of Wole Soyinka and James Ene Henshaw. Rome: Pontifical Urban University Press, 1984
[3] Henshaw, James Ene. This is Our Chance. Toronto: Hodder and Stoughton Educational, 1956
[4] Moore, Gerard. Soyinka. Ibadan: Evans Brothers (Nigeria Publishers) Limited, 1971
[5] Ogunba, Oyin. The Movement of Transition: A Study of the Plays of Wole Soyinka. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press, 1975
[6] Ogunbiyi, Yemi. Drama and Theatre in Nigeria: A Critical Source Book. Lagos: Nigeria Magazine, 1981
[7] Soyinka, Wole. The Lion and the Jewel. Ibadan: University Press Plc, 1963
[8] Yerima, Ahmed and Duro Oni. Eds. Trends in the Theory and Practice of Theatre in Nigeria. Lagos: Society of Nigerian Theatre Artistes (SONTA), 2008

Abstract: This present study aimed at exploring the relation between emotional intelligence and job stress among engineer at public sector organization. Emotional intelligence is an important trait for handling stress at work place. It was hypothesized that there will be significant influence of emotional intelligence on stress level among engineers. Data was collected from a sample of N=30 from enginners working a public sector organization at managerial level at Assam. Emotional intelligence was measured by a scale developed by M.K. Mandal, and job stress was measured using Occupational role stress scale by Uday Pareekh(1983). The mean and SD values were calculated and found to be moderate in case of stress level and higher in case emotional intelligence level.. Regression analysis showed that influence of emotional intelligence was significant in occupational stress level among engineers at managerial level.
Keywords: emotional intelligence, job stress, stress at work place, stress among engineer

[1] Damasio, A.R., Descartes' error: Emotion, reason and the human brain. (Putnam, New York, 1994).
[2] Goleman, D, Emotional intelligence. (New York: Bantam Books,1995).
[3] Mayer, J.D., Caruso, D. & Salovey, P., Emotional intelligence meets traditional standards for an intelligence, Intelligence, 27,1999, 267-298.
[4] Cairrochi,J., Chan, A., & Caputi, P., A critical evaluation of the emotional intelligence construct. Personality and Individual Difference, 28, 2000, 539-561.
[5] Mcgrath, J.E. : Stress and behavior in organizations. In M.D. Dunnette (Ed), Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, (Palo alto, C. A. Counseling psychological stress,1976)
[6] Beehr, T.A. and Newman, J.E., Job stress Employee Health and Organizational Effectiveness : A facet Analysis, model and literature review, Personnel Psychology, 31, 1978.
[7] French, J.R.P. Jr. and Caplan, R.D., Psychosocial Factors in Coronary heart disease, Industrial Medicine, 39, 1970.
[8] Margolis, B.L.; Kores, W.M. and Quinn, R.P. , Job stress A unlisted Occupational hazard, Journal of Occupational Medicine, 16, 1974.
[9] Miller, J.C. , Information input Overload and Psychpathalogy, American Journal of Psychiatry, 8, 1960.
[10] Ward Well, W.I., Hyman, M.M. and Bahsons, C.B., Stress and coronary disease in three studies, Journal of Chronic disease, 17, 1964.

Abstract: Patrick White's Voss and A Fringe of Leaves deal with the complex pattern of cultural negotiations. His representations of aboriginality have been viewed by many critics as essentialist and unprogressive. But this claim is not entirely tenable. In both of these novels White creatively fractures the essentialist notion of cultural identity. Dialogic interactions between two disparate cultures create interstitial space that profoundly unsettles the authority and authenticity of imperialist culture. The paper attempts to read these novels as complex textual sites where dialogic interchanges between two incompatible cultures have been rendered possible.
Keywords: Liminal space, Cultural negotiation, Dialogic interchange, Manichean polarization, Essentialism.

[1] David Richards, Masks of Difference: Cultural Representations in Literature, Anthropology and Art (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 1994).
[2] Keith Garebian, The Desert and the Garden: The Theme of Completeness in Voss, Modern Fiction Studies, 22(4), Winter 1976-77.
[3] Patrick White, Voss (Ringwood, Penguin Books, 1962).
[4] Bill Ashcroft, Gareth Griffiths and Helen Tiffin, Key Concepts in Post-colonial Studies (London, Routledge, London, 2001).
[5] Stephen Brock, A Travelling Colonial Architecture, doctoral diss., The Flinders University of South Australia, Australia, 2003.
[6] Patrick White, Voss (Ringwood, Penguin Books, 1962).
[7] Sue Rowley, The Journey‟s End: Women‟s Mobility and Confinement‟ Australian Cultural History, 10, 1991, 69.
[8] David Marr, Patrick White: A Life (Sydney, Random House, 1991).
[9] Stephen Brock, A Travelling Colonial Architecture, doctoral diss., The Flinders University of South Australia, Australia, 2003.
[10] Patrick White, Voss (Ringwood, Penguin Books, 1962).

Literature facilitates man to break out of the existence of everyday life and to overlook for a while the grim realities of life. It prepares man to face the odds of life cheerfully and with courage. With the rapid development of science and technology, science fiction has become popular in the modern era. It deals with the conflicts that arise out of the impact of scientific discoveries on the future life of humankind. It is an inoculation against ignorance; a new beginning in the creation of research, and the depersonalizing threat of technological change. As Isaac Asimov, father of scientific friction said "Modern science fiction is the only form of literature that constantly considers the nature of the changes that face us, the possible consequences, and the possible solutions."

[1] Booker, M. Keith and Thomas, Anne Marie. The Science Fiction Hand Book, Chichester, UK: Wiley Black Well Publisher, 2009.
[2] Books, Hephaestus. Articles on Postcyberpunk Novels, New York: Hephaestus Books, 2011.
[3] Cathrine, Asaro. "A Conversation with Neal Stephenson", Science Fiction Site, Oct., 2010.
[4] Stephenson, Neal. The Diamond Age: or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer, New York: Random House Publishing Group, 2003.

Abstract: The principle of gender equality is enshrined in the Indian constitution in its preamble Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties and Directive Principles. The First Prime Minister of India stated that "when the women moves forward, the family moves, the village moves, and the Nation moves". Within the framework of a democratic policy, our Laws, development policies, and programs have aimed at women's advancement on different spheres. From the Fifth Five Year Plan (1974-78) onwards, there has been a remarkable shift in the approach to women's issues from welfare to development. In recent years, the empowerment of women has been recognized as the central issue in determining the status of women. The National Commission for women was set up by an act of Parliament in 1990 to safeguard the right on legal entitlements of women. The 73rd and 74th Amendments (1993) to the Constitution of India have provided for reservation seats in the local bodies of Panchayats and Municipalities for Women, laying a strong foundation for their participation in decision making at the local levels.

[1] G.O.I Report of the Committee on the status of Women in India, 1974
[2] G.O.I Shram Shakti Report, 1988
[3] Ranjani K. Murthy, Building women's Capacities, 2001.
[4] Agarwal, S.P. Women's Education in India, 2001.
[5] Pandimuruga Chinnan, K, Women's Education as a tool for rural development, Kurukshetra, September, 2005 p.22
[6] Yogendra Naraian et al., Political Empowerment of Women, I.J.P.A. jan-March 2005.

Abstract: The study focused on revenue base and social assets creation in local government areas in Cross River State as a virile tool for overcoming exclusion and strengthening inclusion for sustainable development in the third world. The purposes were to determine the possible causes of poor performance of local government areas in terms of social assets creation and maintenance; and the level of internally generated revenue of the local government areas and their ability to create desirable social assets to enhance sustainable development. To achieve these purposes, data on components of revenue base and social assets of selected local government areas between 1997 and 2011, were collected and analyzed, with the use of regression analysis. It was discovered that revenue base has a significant positive impact on the creation of social assets. Moreover, internally generated revenue which was shown as a stable revenue source was neglected due to over dependence on statutory allocation from the Federation Account. The study concluded that the inability of the local government councils to create adequate social assets is as a result of poor revenue base and lack of commitment, which are worsening by corrupt practices. Based on the above findings and conclusion, it was recommended amongst others that the identified militating factors be properly tackled in order to ameliorate the dearth of social assets in the local government councils so as to ensure sustainable development.
Keywords: Revenue Base, Social assets, grants, grass-root development.

[1] Adams, E. A. (2001). Public Sector Accounting and Finance Made Simple. (2nd Ed.), Lagos: Corporate Publishers Ventures.
[2] Aguolu, Osita (2002). Fundaments of Auditing. (end Ed.), Enugu: Meridian Associates.
[3] Andrews, M. & Shah, A. (2003). "Assessing Local Government Performance in Developing Countries." In Shah, Awar (Ed.) Measuring Government Performance in the Delivery of Public Services: Handbook on Public Sector Performance Reviews Vol. (2), Washington: The World Bank.
[4] Asechemie D. P. S. (1999). Anatomy of Public Sector Accounting in Nigeria. 2nd Ed.), Port Harcourt, Sunray Books Limited.
[5] Bird, Richard (1993) "Threading the Fiscal Labyrinth: Some Issues in Fiscal Decentralization." National Tax Journal (46) pp. 207 – 227 (June, 1993).
[6] Central Bank of Nigeria (2000a). The Changing Structure of the Nigerian Economy and Implications for Development. Lagos: Realm Communications Limited.
[7] Central Bank of Nigeria (2003). Contemporary Economic Policy Issues in Nigeria. Abuja.
[8] Ezeani, O. E. (2004). Local Government Administration. Enugu: Zik-Chucks Nigeria.
[9] Federal Government of Nigeria (1988). Local Government Yearbook, Abuja Tonem Publicity.
[10] Federal Republic of Nigeria (1991). Model Financial Memoranda for Local Government. Lagos: Government Printer.

Abstract: The study examine the impact of monetary policy on the current account's components for the period 1970-2010 in Nigeria. The study employs Johasen Cointegration, Ordinary Least Square Method (OLS) and Error Correction Model, and the study confirms a long-run relationship between monetary policy (proxy by money supply) and components of current account under consideration. Money supply positively influences all the variables expect exchange rate that is negative. The study further shows that money supply significantly influences exports, imports and industrial output at 5% level of significant. The error correction model shows an appropriate sign, indicating that over 30 percent of the of the last year's shock is adjusted back to the long-run equilibrium association in the present year. The study therefore suggest monetary policy measures that help in providing clear-cut incentives in the importation of industrial raw-materials and equipment and expansion in the volume of exports, so as to reduce the deficit in the current account balance.
Keywords: Monetary policy, Current Account Balance, Cointegration and Error Correction Model.

[1] Central Bank of Nigeria Statistical bulletins Various Issues.
[2] Talylor, J, "The Monetary Transmission Mechanism: An Empirical Framework", Journal of Economics Perspectives, Vol.9, 1995, PP. 11-26.
[3] Mishkin, F. "The Channels of Monetary Transmission: Lessons for Monetary Policy", NBER Working Paper, No 5464 (Cambridge, M.A: National Bureau for Economic Research).
[4] Bernanke, B., and A., Blinder, "The Federal Funds Rates and the Channels of Monetary Transmission", American Economic Review Vol.82, 1992 PP. 901-921.
[5] Bernanke, B., and M., Gertler, "Inside the Black Box: the Credit Channel of Monetary Transmission", Journal Economic Perspectives, Vol.9, 1995 PP27-48.
[6] Kulkarni, K. "Readings in International Economics. New Delhi: Serial Publication 2007.
[7] Devereux, M. B. and H., Genberg, "Current Appreciation and Current Account Adjustment", HKIMR Working paper No17/2006.
[8] Chete, L. N. "Explaining Current Account Behaviour in Nigeria", the Nigerian Journal of Economic and Social Studies, 43, 2001, PP 219-238.
[9] Lu and Min "Current Account Dynamics and Optimal Monetary Policy in a Small-Open Economy", international Journal of Monetary Economics and Finance, Vol.12, Number 2, 1 May, 2009, PP 166-193 (28)
[10] Soyoung K. "Effect of Monetary Policy Shocks on the trade balance in Small-Open European Countries", Economics Letters 571, 2001, 197-203.

Abstract: In this article, the authors examined the direct and indirect effects of geo-economic factors, parental involvement and proficiency in English language on primary school pupils' achievement in mathematics. The sample comprised 216 primary six pupils randomly selected from 10 primary schools in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta state, Nigeria. Five validated instruments were used to collect data. Analysis showed that parental involvement as well as pupils' proficiency in English language had direct effects on mathematics achievement. Although geo-economic factors had no direct effect on mathematics achievement, environmental degradation as being witnessed in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria impacts negatively on the level of parental involvement in their children's education. The findings of this study show that parents should be encouraged to be more involved in their children education. More importantly, policies that will reduce oil spillage and other environmental hazards associated with oil exploration in the Niger Delta region should be vigorously pursued.
Keywords: Environmental degradation; Poverty; at-home parental involvement; at-school parental involvement; Mathematics achievement; Proficiency in English Language

[1] Abd-El-Fattah, S.M. (2006). The relationship among Egyptian adolescents' perception of the parental involvement, academic achievement, and achievement goals: A mediational analysis. International Educational Journal 7, pp. 499-509.
[2] Adegoke, B.A. and Ibode, F.O. (2007). Knowledge of English language as a predictor of students' cognitive achievement in senior secondary school mathematics. African Journal of Cross-cultural psychology and sport facilitation, 9, pp. 80-84.
[3] Ekpenyong, O.A., Ukommi, A.S., & Agha, E.O. (2010). Poverty: A potent conflict escalator in Nigeria's Niger Delta. Bangladesh – Journal of Sociology, 7, pp. 33-41.
[4] Epstein, J. (2001). School, family and community partnerships. Boulder: Westview Press.
[5] Epstein, J. L., & Sanders, M.G. (2000). Connecting home, school and community: New directions for social research. In M.T. Hallinan (Ed.) Handbook of the sociology of education. New York: Kluwer Academic P. Lenum publishers. pp. 285-306.
[6] Eregha P.B., & Irughe, I.R. (2009). Oil induced environmental degradation in the Nigeria's Niger Delta: the Multiplier effects. Pennsylvania: Clarion University of Pennsylvania
[7] Faires, J., Nichols, W.D., & Rickelman, R. (2000). Effects of parental involvement in developing competent readers in first grade. Reading Psychology, 21, pp. 195-215.
[8] Fakeye, D. O., & Ogunsiji, Y. 2009. English Language proficiency as a predictor of academic achievement among EFL students in Nigeria. European Journal of Scientific Research, 37, pp. 490-495.
[9] Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004). National Policy on Education (4th edition) Abuja: NERDC.
[10] Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004). Universal Basic Education Act, Abuja: NERDC.