DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

This study investigates the impacts of internal displacement due to insurgency on women and children in Nigeria, with a focus on the International Christian Centre, Uhogua, Benin City IDP camp. Driven by the Boko Haram insurgency and related conflicts, over 3.5 million Nigerians, predominantly women and children, are internally displaced as of 2024. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative data from in- depth interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative survey data from 100 participants (50 women and 50 children). Findings reveal severe disruptions in economic livelihoods, with 88–90% of respondents reporting reduced income opportunities, asset loss, and reliance on precarious informal activities. Psychologically, 92–93% noted high anxiety, hopelessness, and trauma symptoms, with only 23% acknowledging adequate mental health support. Access to healthcare and education is critically limited, with only 30% and 25% reporting sufficient services, respectively. Policy gaps are evident, with 90% highlighting inadequate economic interventions and weak government-NGO collaboration. Chi-square tests confirmed significant relationships between displacement and insurgency, economic livelihoods, and psychological effects. Grounded in ecological systems theory, vulnerability framework, and human security approach, the study recommends targeted economic empowerment, enhanced psychosocial support, improved healthcare and education access, and stronger policy implementation to address these challenges and foster resilience among displaced populations

This study appraises the role of local governments in Nigeria's national development, with a focus on Oredo Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State from 2016 to 2024. Grounded in the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, it examines how local gover ments contribute to socio- economic progress amid constitutional mandates for infrastructure, health, education, and
urban planning. Key challenges, including corruption, fiscal dependency, political interference, and institutional weaknesses, are identified as significant barriers to effective governance. Employing a descriptive survey design with elements of content analysis, data were collected from 150 purposively selected respondents—comprising government officials, community leaders, and residents—using structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and secondary sources. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, means) and inferential tests (Chi- square) analyzed responses, testing hypotheses on constitutional fulfillment, challenges, and project impacts. Findings reveal moderate execution of constitutional functions (mean score: 2.58), with infrastructure projects showing positive economic effects but limited overall socio-economic transformation (χ² = 2.16, p = 0.1416). Digitization and globalization offered benefits but were constrained by poor ICT infrastructure. Hypotheses confirmed significant hindrances from challenges (χ² = 24.00, p < 0.0001) and partial mandate achievement. The study concludes that empowering local governments through fiscal autonomy and reforms is essential for sustainable development. Recommendations include anti-corruption measures, capacity building, and enhanced digitization. This research addresses literature gaps on localized governance, providing insights for policymakers to align local efforts with Sustainable Development Goals.

This study examined effective public service in the administration of development plans of the federal government: a case study of Edo State. The main objectives of the study were to ascertain if there is any relationship between effective public service and administration of development plans of federal government in Edo State, examine the roles that has or should be played by the public service for Nigerians to benefit from good government and national development, and determine the challenges faced by the public service in promoting government policies for effective national development. The data collected were presented in a tabular form with focus on the major research questions in other to enable the researcher determine the results. The data collected were analyzed using simple percentage. The findings from the study revealed that the structural problem faced by the public service in promoting government policies in Nigeria is personnel regulation; personnel qualification and organizational structure are part of the challenges faced by the public service in promoting national development in Nigeria; the high level of corruption associated with the public service in Nigeria has hampered its role in promoting national development; the Nigerian public service lacks transparency and accountability; and that the ethno-religious hospitalities and the crisis of confidence from the populace compound the problems in the public service. The study further recommends that if the public service is to attain the desired results of development in Nigeria, far reaching reforms are needed, such as, recruitment and promotion of civil servants should be based on merit system as opposed to spoils system. This is because the enthronement of federal character principle of recruitment and other
spoils system have sacrificed efficiency and effectiveness in the Nigerian public service, while rules and regulations are sine qua non for systematic and orderly government, and there is a need for the mental attitudes and believes of the public servants to be reoriented, so that they can cope with the policies of new government.

This study examined efficiency management and accountability in Nigeria with particular focus on Akoko Edo Local Government Area. The study adopted a descriptive research design and utilized a sample size of 250 respondents drawn from the local government civil service to assess the relationship between accountability practices and management efficiency. The study revealed that corruption has significantly affected the efficiency of management within the civil service, thereby reducing productivity, weakening institutional performance, and limiting effective service delivery in the local government area. The findings further indicated that inadequate monitoring mechanisms, weak enforcement of ethical standards, and lack of transparency contributed to poor administrative outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommended the urgent need to strengthen anti-corruption measures in public institutions through improved oversight, enforcement of accountability frameworks, and promotion of transparency in administrative processes in order to enhance efficiency, restore public trust, and improve productivity in the civil service of Akoko Edo Local Government Area and Nigeria at large

This study examined the impact of crime on socio-economic development in Nigeria at Ovia-North East Local Government Area. The researcher is concerned with the growing rate of crime, which is perceived to have affected community development. Survey research methods were employed in this study and adhered to two techniques of data collection, namely, self-administered questionnaires and person-to-person interviews. The limitations of the study were economic and time factors. Hypotheses were tested, confirmed that there is indeed a relationship between high crime levels and unemployment. The study found that the Ovia-North East District is fraught with problems of high unemployment, high crime levels and lack of physical infrastructure. Secondly, it was shown that the levels of crime like robbery and assault cases are the order of the day. Many crimes are committed either during the day or at night. This study made several recommendations relating to what should be done to ensure that local residents, potential developers and investors feel safe at Ovia-North East areas. Among other recommendations put forward are the establishment of community relations with the police, like community policing forums (CPFs) and development community safety centres.

The main objective of this study is to find out the association between demographic characteristics of Social Work Students of University of Benin and the awareness of Ubuntu Philosophy? This study focused on the total full time undergraduate and postgraduate students in University of Benin in the 2019/2020 Session. The population for this study is 46,986 and the sample size is 400. Data for this study was collected by personally administering the questionnaires to the respondents with the help of a research assistant and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). This study concludes that most of the respondents are aware of Ubuntu Philosophy, but the level of awareness varies by demographic characteristics. Although the respondents are aware of the Ubuntu Philosophy, they do not consider that Ubuntu is what Nigeria needs. This is the major findings of this study. This study recommends that the government and Non-Governmental Organizations should promote awareness programmes on the awareness of the relevance of Ubuntu Philosophy to the contemporary challenges in Nigeria. This would inspire young people to spread knowledge about Ubuntu with their schools, homes and communities and help restore the Spirit of Ubuntu among them. Furthermore, the influence of Ubuntu could help address contemporary social issues like drunkenness and sexual assault, among others, for the benefit of community members and throughout Nigeria.

The study investigated the welfare and safety challenges of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria: A case study of Uhogua camp in Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and answered. The sample size was madeup of 200 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that IDPs in Uhogua Camp face severe challenges in accessing basic needs, healthcare, education, security, and sanitation, which significantly impact their living conditions. It was concluded that the strategies put in place by the state government to ensure the welfare and security of IDPs in Uhogua camp include security measures, basic needs provision, psychosocial support, NGO collaborations, and vocational training. The study recommended among others that the government should enhance its support by allocating more resources to improve living conditions, healthcare, education, and security for IDPs in Uhogua camp. Additionally, policymakers should implement long-term strategies that ensure sustainable development and well-being.

This research work looks at the various strategies for effective solid waste management in Ikpoba Okha Local Government, Benin City, Edo State. The objectives of this study are to
access the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of people towards refuse disposal, to ascertain the role of finance and equipment in the maintenance of the refuse disposal programme, to identify the major factors responsible for the present inadequate refuse disposal in Ikpoba Okha and to determine the significance of community participation in domestic and commercial solid waste
management in Benin City. To achieve the objectives of the study, data from primary and secondary sources were collected. From primary source, one hundred (100) questionnaires were
administered by the researcher, of which ninety (90) were retrieved successfully and used for data presentation and analysis. While the secondary source consists of textbooks, journals, manuals and other publications. Simple percentage was used for data presentation and analysis. Inferential statistical tools—chi-square analysis—was employed in testing the following hypotheses: If
there is or no significant relationship between people’s knowledge, attitude and behaviour as influence of effective waste disposal; gender responses; and if there is or no significant
relationship between finance, equipment as it affect proper disposal of waste and the settlement type of respondents. From the hypotheses tested, we find out that lack of finance is a factor
responsible for inadequate waste disposal in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area. It was also discovered that lack of equipment or tools such as tippers and pail loaders are major problem
facing effective waste management in the local government as well as people’s knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards environmental sanitation. Conclusively, it was discovered that
lack of finance, equipment, management’s policies, ineffective enlightenment, lack of community participation, attitude and behaviour are problems facing solid waste management in
Ikpoba Okha. It was therefore recommended that proper transmission and implementation of waste management policies, adequate funding, community participation as well as assisting the
Local Government with tools or equipment by the state government will in no little measure improve the waste management strategies in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Benin City.

This study evaluates the impact of e-governance on public service delivery in with specific focus on the Edo State Government from 2016 to 2024. The study examines how the adoption of digital governance platforms has influenced administrative efficiency, transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement in service delivery. Data were obtained from both primary and secondary sources, including structured interviews and government publications. The study adopts a descriptive and qualitative approach, analyzing respondents’ perspectives across two main categories — civil servants and non-civil servants — to assess the practical implications of e-governance initiatives. Findings revealed that the integration of e- governance tools, such as the EdoBEST education reform platform, online payment systems, and digital civil service management processes, has enhanced efficiency and accessibility in public service delivery. However, challenges such as poor internet infrastructure, limited digital literacy, and policy inconsistency still affect optimal implementation. The study recommends among others that government should improve internet connectivity and upgrade digital infrastructure, provide staff with continuous ICT training, as well as promote public awareness and inclusiveness in strengthening e-service delivery.

This study investigated the impact of teamwork on organizational performance at the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue. Specifically, the study sought to identify the aspects of teamwork that enhance organizational effectiveness, examine the challenges employees face while working as a team, and assess how teamwork affects overall organizational performance. A survey research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to thirty (30) employees across different departments. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage tables. Findings revealed that trust among team members, willingness to resolve problems, reliability, confidentiality, and effective leadership are key aspects that positively influence organizational effectiveness. The study also identified limited employee participation in decision-making and leadership-related constraints as major obstacles to teamwork. Furthermore, teamwork was found to improve task completion speed, service quality, utilization of skills, and organizational output. The study concluded that effective teamwork significantly enhances organizational performance. It is recommended that management strengthen team-building initiatives, promote employee involvement in decision-making, and provide regular training to foster collaboration and improve overall performance.