Nigerian Context Research Articles

Whistleblowing and interpretation, addressing organizational challenges: a conceptual reflection from Nigeria

Purpose This study aims to explore the effect of whistleblowing and interpretation among practitioners in the Nigerian economy. The research puts a premium on understanding the relevance and critical issues in its practices and developing an improved model for the effective practice of whistleblowing and interpretation in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted a conceptual approach, relying on extant literature to understand the management of whistleblowing incidents and identify the managers’ and other stakeholders’ responsibility in the whistleblowing process. It applied systems dynamics conceptual modelling and presented an improvement approach to addressing the complexities associated with whistleblowing and interpretation among Nigerian organizations. Findings This study contributed to the extant literature by developing a model for proper management of whistleblowing in the Nigerian context and enhancing the robust practice of whistleblowing and interpretation in Nigeria. The findings highlighted critical factors such as managers’ skills development, legal system support, institutional stakeholders’ function and ethical balance as key factors to effective whistleblowing management and interpretation. This implies that the act of identifying and developing responses to an emerging case of whistleblowing requires a process of developing underpinning assumptions, engagement and consideration of stakeholders’ interests while driving the sustenance of organizational focus. Originality/value This study emphasized the departure from absolute best practice to developing idea approaches that reflect stakeholders’ interests and the context of whistleblowing and interpretation. While the study acknowledges limitations in the sole focus on the Nigerian private sector and the Nigerian economic background, it recommends further exploration of whistleblowing and its interpretation on a comparative approach, to improving the current understanding of the topic.

Conspiracy Theories, Vaccine Hesitancy and Determinants of Vaccination Acceptance in Nigeria: A Conceptual Review

Purpose: This conceptual review aims to dissect the intricate web of conspiracy theories, vaccine hesitancy and determinants of vaccination acceptance within Nigeria's socio-cultural context, shedding light on their genesis, propagation and impact on public health outcomes. Methodology: Employing a multidisciplinary approach, this study synthesizes existing literature and theoretical frameworks from various disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, public health, and communication studies. Methodological rigor is ensured through comprehensive literature review and critical appraisal of relevant studies, enabling a holistic exploration of the subject matter. Findings: Through a systematic analysis, the review identifies and examines socio-cultural, economic and political influences that shape vaccination behavior in Nigeria. It illuminates the multifaceted determinants contributing to vaccine hesitancy, ranging from religious beliefs to historical legacies to socio-economic factors and healthcare accessibility challenges. The review also highlights the genesis and propagation of conspiracy narratives, their impact on public trust in vaccination and consequent implications for immunization uptake. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This review makes several contributions to theory, policy, and practice in the field of vaccination and public health. Firstly, it advances theoretical understanding by synthesizing existing knowledge and proposing conceptual frameworks that elucidate the socio-cultural, economic, and political determinants of vaccination behavior in Nigeria. Secondly, it informs policy development by identifying key areas for intervention, such as addressing vaccine hesitancy, countering misinformation, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure to enhance vaccine delivery. Finally, it offers practical insights for public health practitioners and policymakers, providing evidence-based recommendations for designing effective vaccination campaigns, communication strategies, and community engagement initiatives tailored to the Nigerian context.

Barriers to digital technologies-driven circular economy in the Nigerian construction industry

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate barriers to the adoption of digital technologies (DTs) in the circular economy (CE) transition in the construction industry. The aim is to quantitatively investigate what the barriers to DTs-driven CE are in the Nigerian construction industry.Design/methodology/approachA review of existing literature identified 32 barriers to DTs-led CE. A well-structured quantitative research questionnaire was developed and administered to construction experts using a convenient sampling technique via hand delivery and Google form. The gathered data were analysed using arrays of both descriptive and inferential statistical methods.FindingsThe study revealed that the awareness of the digitalisation of CE is high, but the adoption is low. Five themes of the leading 10 factors responsible for the low adoption of DTs in CE transition in the Nigerian construction industry are (1) finance and demand barrier, (2) data management and information vulnerability, (3) skills shortage and infrastructure challenge, (4) poor government and management support and (5) interoperability and resistance problems.Practical implicationsThis study could be helpful to decision-makers and policy formulators, which would provide an avenue for higher adoption of DTs in CE transition in the construction industry, better performance and environmental protection. It also provides a foundation for further research efforts in Nigeria and other developing countries of Africa and beyond.Originality/valueStudies on the barriers to DT adoption in CE transition are still growing, and this is even non-existent in the Nigerian construction context. This offers a unique insight and original findings by pioneering the identification and assessment of barriers to the digitalisation of CE transition in Nigeria’s construction industry.

Innovation and sustainable development among multinational enterprises in Nigeria

This study explores the effect of innovation on sustainable development among multinational enterprises (MNEs) operating in Nigeria. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, the research investigates how innovation practices within MNEs influence the economic, environmental, and social dimensions of sustainable development in the Nigerian context. Data were collected from workers of five multinational corporations using a structured questionnaire. The study hypotheses were analysed using the partial least square–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 3.2.9. The findings demonstrate a positive and significant effect of innovation on all three dimensions of sustainable development. This suggests that MNEs fostering innovation contribute meaningfully to achieving broader societal goals beyond economic profit. The study further recommended that MNEs should integrate sustainability metrics into their innovation performance evaluation. Track how their innovations contribute to economic growth, environmental improvements, and social well-being. This will help them identify the most impactful innovations and guide future investments towards projects that generate shared value for their business and society.

Environmental Justice and Health in Nigeria.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) identified 17 goals to achieve by the year 2030, with many of these goals directly or indirectly linked to environmental justice. Health outcomes remain poor in Nigeria; the country ranks low in environmental quality despite supporting environmental treaties and laws. The burden of diseases in the country is in part related to poor environmental quality and is linked to environmental justice issues, such as mining, energy exploration, transport emission, poor waste management, and proliferation of slum settlement. Previous studies found that living in proximity to mines and environmental degradation of land and water disrupts means of livelihood and causes poor health outcomes among children and adults. Specifically, health issues like respiratory illness, malaria, kidney disease, and high blood pressure are likely consequences of proximity to mine waste. Few published studies are available for a developing country like Nigeria, although the link between environmental justice and health in Nigeria is clear enough to require action on the part of the government and polluting industries. This paper reviewed the concept and coverage of environmental justice in the Nigerian context and its impact on health. Addressing environmental injustices related to mining and other environmental issues can accelerate health gains through conscious and concerted efforts towards preserving the environment. Also, the right of everyone to a sustainable city regardless of socioeconomic class and geographical location can only be secured through environmental justice.

The Moderating Effect of Income on the Predictors of Cassava Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Technology in Nigeria: A Conceptual Framework

This study endeavors to construct a comprehensive conceptual framework elucidating the moderating influence of income on factors influencing the adoption of agricultural technology among cassava farmers in Nigeria. Agricultural technology, herein, refers to the innovative utilization of emerging Information and Communication Technologies tailored for agricultural applications within remote environments. The agricultural sector holds paramount significance within the Nigerian economy, engaging nearly 70% of the labor force and contributing over 40% to the gross domestic product. The adoption of technology in agriculture signifies potential enhancements in income, poverty alleviation, improved national nutrition and health, reduced food prices, and employment opportunities. However, the income of cassava farmers plays a pivotal role in ensuring their sustainability. Regrettably, their income streams are often unstable due to fluctuations in market prices, adversely impacting their ability to finance the adoption of technology to bolster productivity. Therefore, this research aims to develop a robust conceptual framework delineating the moderating role of income on the determinants of agricultural technology adoption behavior, particularly pertinent within the Nigerian context. It is imperative to tailor conceptual frameworks specifically for Nigeria, given that frameworks derived from other regions may not be directly applicable to the unique challenges and dynamics of the Nigerian agricultural landscape.

Exploring student perceptions: Factors influencing academic performance in a school of pharmacy in Nigeria

Background: The failure and success rate of students in pharmacy school has been shown to be dependent on some courses that predict academic performance. The study identified factors that could impact failure and academic performances of pharmacy students at Obafemi Awolowo University. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study of 219 undergraduate pharmacy students from third, fourth and fifth years of a school of pharmacy in Nigeria. A pre-tested questionnaire gathered data on demographics, course perceptions and academic factors. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as percentages, weighted averages, and Chi squared tests were used to analyse the data obtained at p < 0.05. Results: Financial constraints, family challenges, and a lack of peer interaction were significantly associated with repeating a year. Specific courses perceived as difficult included “Pharmaceutical organic chemistry” (PHC 202), “Practical pharmaceutics I” (PHA 201) and “Medicinal chemistry II” (PHC 402). Courses perceived as difficult, particularly in the fourth year, were notably linked to academic stress. Conclusion: The study identified specific factors and courses that affect pharmacy students’ performance in the Nigerian context. Policy makers and faculty can take vital feedback to adjust the training content, methods and assessment system to possibly deliver a holistic education to pharmacy students.     

An empirical evaluation of the performance of Nigerian pension fund managers

PurposeThis paper evaluates the risk-adjusted returns, selectivity, market timing skills and persistence of the performance of Nigerian pension funds.Design/methodology/approachAnnual return data of 23 pension funds that operated in Nigeria between 2018 and 2022 were obtained from the National Pension Commission (PenCom). Risk-adjusted return was appraised using the Treynor ratio, Sharpe ratio and Jensen alpha, while the Treynor–Mazuy and Henriksson–Merton multiple regression models were applied to decompose selective and timing skills. Performance persistence was assessed using the contingency table and rank correlation models.FindingsEvidence shows that pension funds deliver excess risk-adjusted returns and exhibit selective skills. However, the evidence does not support the presence of timing skills, and there is overwhelming evidence that good (bad) performance does not repeat.Practical implicationsAn evaluation of the investment performance of pension funds is crucial for ensuring the financial stability of retirees, maintaining economic stability and making informed investment decisions. It serves the interests of pensioners, pension fund managers, regulators and the broader economy. Our evidence that pension funds generate positive excess returns is a departure from most of the literature on managed funds. We recommend that more Nigerians should leverage the pension fund industry to grow their wealth and prepare for retirement.Originality/valueThis study, to our knowledge, is the first to appraise all the key facets of the investment performance of pension funds in the Nigerian context.

Time Series Modelling and Forecasting Foreign Direct Investment using Linear and Nonlinear Models: The Case of Nigeria

This study addresses the crucial need for accurate forecasting of Foreign Direct Investment (FDIT) trends in Nigeria. FDIT plays a pivotal role in the country's economic growth and development efforts, driving industrialization, infrastructure enhancement, and job creation. However, predicting FDIT accurately is essential for policymakers, investors, and researchers to formulate effective strategies and decisions. This study conducts a comparative analysis of four FDIT forecasting models: Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), Holt Exponential Smoothing (HES), ARIMA, and NNAR in Nigeria, utilizing R version 4.3.2 and forecast and nnetar packages for implementation. The FDIT dataset is partitioned into 80:20 training-test samples, with models applied to each subset for performance evaluation. Leveraging historical FDIT data, the study evaluates the predictive performance of each model over a specified period, employing error measures such as RMSE, MAE, MASE and MAPE to assess accuracy and reliability. Additionally, residual normality tests and visual inspections validate model assumptions. Results indicate varying levels of accuracy and predictive capability among the models, with HES and NNAR models displaying superior performance compared to SES and ARIMA, evidenced by measure error rates. Residual normality tests affirm the suitability of the models for FDIT forecasting. The study contributes empirical evidence to the existing literature, providing valuable insights into forecasting techniques for FDIT in Nigeria. These insights can guide policymakers, investors, and researchers in selecting appropriate models for forecasting FDIT trends and making informed decisions. Future research avenues could explore advanced modelling techniques and additional variables to further enhance the accuracy and reliability of FDIT forecasts within the Nigerian context.

Group Dynamics and Public Policy Formation: Insights from Nigerian Society

This paper appraises the theoretical assumptions of group theory within the purview of public policy with a specific focus on the Nigerian context. It begins by providing conceptual clarity on policy, public policy, and public policy analysis to lay the foundation for the subsequent discussion. The paper then examines the underlying assumptions of group theory and critiques its applicability within public policy discourse. Through the analysis of secondary data, this paper explores the role of group theory in shaping policy formulation and implementation processes. It highlights the significant influence of group actions on government policies, illustrating how various interest groups exert pressure and influence decision-making processes. This paper concludes that public policy emerges as a result of collective agitation and interaction within a given society. It recognises that various groups play pivotal roles in shaping policy outcomes, yet their actions are typically governed by established rules, fostering a climate of peaceful competition among competing interests.

Pharmacovigilance in Nigeria: Addressing challenges in ensuring drug safety and monitoring adverse effects

This paper examines the specific challenges faced by Nigeria in implementing pharmacovigilance measures to ensure drug safety and monitor adverse effects. Despite the critical importance of pharmacovigilance in safeguarding public health, Nigeria grapples with several obstacles in its implementation. Through a nuanced exploration of literature and regulatory frameworks, this study sheds light on the unique hurdles encountered in pharmacovigilance practices within the Nigerian context. Challenges in Nigeria's pharmacovigilance landscape include limited awareness and understanding of pharmacovigilance principles among healthcare professionals and consumers, resulting in underreporting of adverse drug reactions. Additionally, there is a lack of robust infrastructure and resources for pharmacovigilance activities, including inadequate funding, shortage of trained personnel, and deficient pharmacovigilance databases. Regulatory enforcement and oversight are also hindered by issues such as weak regulatory frameworks, fragmented reporting systems, and suboptimal collaboration among regulatory agencies. Furthermore, Nigeria's pharmacovigilance efforts are compounded by factors such as the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard medicines, informal drug markets, and cultural beliefs influencing healthcare-seeking behaviors. These challenges pose significant barriers to effective pharmacovigilance implementation and compromise patient safety and public health outcomes in Nigeria. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach encompassing regulatory reforms, capacity building initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international partners. Strengthening regulatory frameworks, enhancing healthcare professional training on pharmacovigilance, establishing robust reporting systems, and fostering partnerships between regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and pharmaceutical companies are essential steps toward improving pharmacovigilance practices in Nigeria. Through a thorough examination of the Nigerian context, this paper aims to raise awareness of the specific challenges hindering pharmacovigilance implementation in the country and stimulate dialogue on potential solutions to enhance drug safety and monitoring of adverse effects in Nigeria's healthcare system.

Fighting Fake News Proliferation Through Digital Literacy in Africa: Perspectives from Nigerian Netizens

ABSTRACT The emergence of social media and the Internet came with wide acceptance and enthusiasm. Yet, scholars and analysts are worried that despite their inherent benefits, one of the major drawbacks of these platforms is that they enable the propagation of fake news. While fake news is not confined to these platforms, it has become a serious issue for contemporary society given that these platforms allow people to obtain, convey, and spread information for social inclusion, democratic engagements, and other purposes. The degree to which disinformation can sabotage these prospects reinforces arguments regarding what ought to be done to mitigate digital dysfunction. Despite this concern, there are more anecdotal perspectives than empirical enquiries into fake news and digital literacy in the African (Nigerian) context. Therefore, using the Inoculation and Message Interpretation Process theories as our theoretical frameworks, and Focus Group Discussion as our research method, we explored the extent to which digital literacy or lack of it shaped the Nigerian netizens’ propensity to share fake news. Although sharing is not believing, as the participants suggest, the concerns about fake news proliferation across social media and the Internet warrant crucial conversations about how to encourage basic literacy in today's digital world, particularly in Africa. Thus, while the authors support the idea of digital literacy, they also caution that in itself, digital literacy is insufficient and may not go far enough in stopping fake news proliferation, yet it helps to minimise the spread.

Understanding risky driving behaviors among young novice drivers in Nigeria: A latent class analysis coupled with association rule mining approach

Traffic crashes are significant public health concern in Nigeria, particularly among young drivers. The study aims to explore the underlying pattern of risky driving behaviors and the associations with demographic factors among young drivers in Nigeria. A combined approach of Latent Class Analysis (LCA) and Association Rule Mining is applied to the dataset comprising responses from 684 young drivers who complete the “Behavior of Young Novice Drivers Scale” (BYND) questionnaires. The LCA identifies four distinct classes of drivers based on the risky behavior profiles: Reckless-Speedsters, Cautious Drivers, Distracted Multitaskers, and Emotion-impacted Drivers. Association rule mining further connects these driver classes to demographic and driving history variables, uncovering intriguing insights. Reckless-Speedsters predominantly consist of young males who engage in riskier driving behaviors, including exceeding speed limits and disregarding traffic rules. Conversely, Cautious Drivers, also predominantly young males, exhibit a safer driving profile marked by rule adherence and a notably lower crash rate. Distracted Multitaskers, sharing a demographic profile with Cautious Drivers, diverge significantly due to their higher crash involvement, hinting at a propensity for distracted driving practices. Lastly, Emotion-Impacted Drivers, primarily comprising young employed males, display behaviors influenced by emotions, shorter driving distances, and prior unsupervised driving experience. Most of the behaviors are attributed to inadequate traffic control, absence of traffic signs in most of the roads, preferential treatment, and lack of strict law enforcement in the country. The findings hold substantial implications for road safety interventions in Nigeria, urging targeted approaches to address the unique challenges presented by each driver class. With acknowledging the study limitations and advocating for future research in objective measures and emotion-behavior interactions, the comprehensive approach provides a robust foundation for enhancing road safety in the Nigerian context.

Big data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: implications for policymakers

Purpose This study aims to examine Big Data and the management of libraries in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its implications for policymakers in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative methodology was used, involving the administration of open-ended questionnaires to librarians from six selected federal universities located in Southwest Nigeria. Findings The findings of this research highlight that a significant proportion of librarians are well-acquainted with the relevance of big data and its potential to positively revolutionize library services. Librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences. Research limitations/implications This study exclusively focuses on the Nigerian context, overlooking insights from other African countries. As a result, it may not be possible to generalize the study’s findings to the broader African library community. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is unique because the paper reported that librarians generally express favorable opinions concerning the relevance of big data, acknowledging its capacity to enhance decision-making, optimize services and deliver personalized user experiences.

"Get Her for Me, for She Pleases Me Well:" Interpreting the Samson Marriage Narrative in Judges 14 in Light of Parental Role in Mate Selection in Nigeria

Judges 14 speaks to the Nigerian context on the role of parents in the marriage process. Unlike in the traditional African society where the choice of spouses was determined by parents and the family, in Nigeria today, parents have little involvement in their children's choice of marriage partner. Applying narrative reading and the descriptive approach, the article examines this text in light of the significance of parents' role in choosing marriage partners among Nigerian Christians. The study finds that due to the influence of Christianity and modernisation, Nigerian parents now play little role in the choice of their children's marriage partners and that this is one of the factors responsible for the rampant marriage failures in society. It concludes that to curb the high rate of marriage instability among Nigerian Christians, the church in Nigeria should review its marriage theology to emphasise the role of parents in mate selection, using the Samson story as a literary instrument.

Sarcasm Detection in Pidgin Tweets Using Machine Learning Techniques

Detecting sarcasm in social media is of growing importance for applications such as monitoring, consumer feedback, and sentiment analysis. However, detecting sarcasm in Pidgin tweets poses unique challenges due to the blend of English and Pidgin languages, along with local cultural references. Existing models for sarcasm detection in English lack appropriate annotated data for Pidgin. This scarcity hinders the development of effective machine learning models. This research aims to address these challenges and create a model for accurate sarcasm detection in Pidgin tweets. Logistic Regression, XGBoost, Random Forest, and Vanilla Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classifiers were assessed, focusing on accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score metrics on sarcasm data collected by curating and pre-processing a dataset of Nigerian Pidgin tweets. The XGBoost model demonstrated notable performance, attaining an accuracy of 85.78%, precision of 88.57%, recall of 94.44%, and F1-score of 91.41%. These outcomes underscored the model's prowess in discerning sarcastic and non-sarcastic expressions. By unfolding the intricacies of language in the Nigerian context, this research into sarcasm identification in Nigerian Pidgin text data introduced a comprehensive pipeline encompassing data curation, exploratory analysis, culturally tailored pre-processing, model training, evaluation, and prediction.

Influence of Leadership Style on TQM Implementation in Champions Breweries, PLC, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study examined the influence of leadership style on Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation effectiveness at Champions Breweries in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Successful TQM adoption relies on leadership approaches that empower employees and catalyse engagement in continuous improvement. However, research shows authoritarian leadership styles focused on control remain prevalent in Nigerian firms, potentially hindering quality management. However, only some studies have quantitatively assessed the linkage between leadership style and TQM success in the Nigerian context. This study, addressed this gap by investigating whether Champions Breweries' leadership style impacted the effectiveness of TQM implementation. Quantitative survey methodology, gathered data from 218 employees on perceptions of leadership behaviours and TQM programme success. Descriptive statistics, revealed that an authoritarian leadership style, characterised by top-down decision-making, command-and-control behaviours, and limited employee empowerment prevailed. ANOVA results demonstrated a significant relationship between this authoritarian leadership style and reduced TQM implementation success. The findings align with studies showing that authoritative approaches focused on control rather than empowerment undermine quality management through reduced engagement and initiative-taking. To strengthen TQM outcomes, Champions Breweries should implement leadership training focused on participative management skills, decentralise organisational structure, and align talent management systems, to participative leadership. The study, provides empirical evidence that leadership style significantly impacts TQM success in Nigerian firms. Evolving from authoritarian paradigms is essential to build cultures of quality, which should be predicted on leadership training, reform performance management and rewards system amongst other as some of the recommendation.

Resilient and regenerative sustainable urban housing solutions for Nigeria

This paper looks into the analysis and presentation of case studies and best practices of successful resilient and regenerative housing projects in developed nations. The primary objective is to identify key factors behind their success and explore their potential for scalability and replicability across diverse urban contexts in Nigeria. The study examines various case studies, focusing on understanding the design, implementation, and outcomes of these sustainable housing projects. Through a comprehensive analysis of the selected case studies, the paper identifies the crucial success factors and lessons learned, emphasizing their contributions to sustainability, climate responsiveness, and community well-being. Moreover, it assesses the applicability of these practices in the Nigerian context, considering the country's unique climate zones and urban challenges. The study also explores potential barriers and opportunities for scaling up and replicating these housing solutions in different urban settings within Nigeria. It proposes tailored strategies for adapting and implementing resilient and regenerative housing practices, with a particular emphasis on integrating climate-responsive design, net-zero energy goals, and community engagement. To further enhance the sustainability of Nigerian housing developments, the paper advocates for the incorporation of green infrastructure, circular economy principles, and innovative water management solutions. Additionally, it highlights the importance of data-driven approaches and smart technologies in architecture and urban planning to support evidence-based decision-making and optimize the design and implementation of sustainable housing projects. Through this comprehensive analysis, the paper provides tailored strategies and recommendations for policy-makers, architects, urban planners, and stakeholders involved in sustainable housing development in Nigeria. By leveraging the valuable insights derived from successful practices in developed nations, Nigeria can pave the way for resilient and regenerative housing projects, contributing to a sustainable, prosperous future for its diverse and rapidly growing urban population.

Book Review. Powerful Devices: Prayer and the Political Praxis of Spiritual Warfare, by Abimbola Adunni Adelakun

Abimbola Adunni Adelakun’s book, Powerful Devices: Prayer and the Political Praxis of Spiritual Warfare, offers a different exploration of the transformative potential of prayer as a performance of spiritual warfare. By focusing on the role of prayer as a powerful device in the Nigerian context, the author brilliantly suggests how prayer shapes and is sometimes shaped by certain social and cultural logics. The interventions in this book build on the author’s experiences in the field of performance studies, shedding light on the defiance of societal norms and the radicality inherent in religious practices.

The Effectiveness of Hybrid Learning in English Pronunciation Pedagogy in the Nigerian ESL Context

This paper is a study on the effectiveness of hybrid learning; a blend of traditional and technology-based training, vis-à-vis the second language (L2) learner of English pronunciation. Specifically, our motivation is centred on the functionality of combining the habitual classroom teaching style with the Telegram app (a mobile-based technological tool) for studies relating to speech production and perception. The methodical procedure and design for this study is both quantitative and descriptive; employing the use of a multiple-choice questionnaire in data collection from 401 Nigerian undergraduate and postgraduate students in the University of Benin, Nigeria, to ascertain the effectiveness of digital designs and stratagems. Pie charts are employed to display multiple divisions of the study's data comparison. This study emphasizes the Online-Driver Blended Learning Model; such a pedagogical approach exposes the L2 learner to a more involved and effective way of understanding how to avoid imposing an unfamiliar accent upon the target language. Consequently, we see a merger of online practical exercises and exposure to uploaded multimodal texts and native speakers' spoken data (audio-visual recordings/voice notes) with scheduled direct classroom interludes. Findings confirm that exploiting such a hybrid model enhances students' cognitive abilities and retentive capacity regarding English pronunciation. Such digital audio-visual tools are paramount phonetic strategies for learning how to avoid unacceptable phonetic alterations. Thus, we see the effectiveness of integrating the Telegram app into the traditional brick-and-mortar educational method in handling problems associated with speech sound production and second-language phonological interference.