DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

The main aim of this study was to examine awareness of child adoption does not positively affect the perception and attitude of infertile women. The problem of this study was that infertility has become a global health challenge with devastating psycho-social consequences in many African communities. Nigeria’s rate of infertility is as high as 30%. Child adoption, although usually perceived as the last option for couples with incurable infertility, is associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and ethical issues. These issues have been linked to low acceptance of child adoption among infertile couples. The broad objective of this study was to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in South-western Nigeria. The methodology adopted by this study was the probabilistic and survey research design which was employed using questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique with a criterion sampling strategy was used to select hundred and thirty household (130) not necessary infertile women and a focus group structured interview was utilized to collect data from the participants. The demographic data of Respondents were analysed using the simple percentage the research hypotheses was analysed qualitatively using Chi-Square Statistical Tool to analyse the data on opinions of infertile couples. The results from the findings of this study shows, none of the respondents had ever practiced child adoption, meanwhile, awareness of child adoption was viewed as alternative to management infertility, though attitudinal disposition varied. Respondents was of the opinion that child adoption brings joy into the lives of the couple especially those who are yet to have children, though they stated that the society does not accept it but adoption was seen as a way of contributing to the life of an individual as well as make the couple satisfied. The study concludes that there the knowledge of child adoption fosters the willingness of individual and couples to legally adopt. Also, the results show that awareness of child adoption positively affects the perception and attitude of infertile women in Alagbaka Community to child adoption and its acceptability as a management option for infertility. The study further finds that child adoption as an alternative option for infertility contributes to the life of an individual as well as makes the couple fulfilled

This study investigates the effects of parental divorce on child development within the Ekosodin Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically examines the emotional, social, behavioral, and academic consequences for children following parental separation. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data gathered from 100 purposively selected respondents including adolescents, parents, teachers, and social workers using structured online questionnaires. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, incorporating frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings indicate that parental divorce significantly disrupts children's emotional stability, social adjustment, behavioral patterns, and academic performance. Emotional distress was evident through symptoms of sadness, anxiety, social withdrawal, and diminished self-esteem. Concurrently, social and behavioral challenges included difficulties in peer relationships, truancy, and aggressive conduct. Academically, performance was adversely affected by reduced motivation, poor concentration, and a lack of consistent parental support. The study also identified the supportive roles of the extended family, teachers, religious institutions, and professional counseling services in mitigating these negative effects. Based on these findings, the study recommends collaborative efforts among parents, educators, social workers, religious organizations, and government agencies to provide comprehensive emotional, social, and academic support for children experiencing parental divorce. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering localized insights into the multifaceted impacts of divorce in a semi-urban Nigerian community, with practical implications for policy formulation, targeted intervention programs, and social work practice

This study examined the public perception on the impact of broken homes on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Iyamho University, Edo State. Drawing on a descriptive-survey design, the research sampled undergraduate students across faculties using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring family structure, home environment, and psychosocial factors, complemented by academic records (cumulative grade point average). The estimated total population of undergraduate students at the University of Iyamho is approximately 7,280 student. The Simple Random technique was adopted in this study. This technique was adopted to allow researcher select the samples on the basis of equal opportunity. It allowed the researcher to create a sample that was objective, with no population member having a higher chance of being chosen than any other.
The findings from this study revealed that parental separation significantly affects students’ concentration and commitment to academic activities. The data indicated that students from separated homes often face emotional instability, psychological stress, and divided attention, which interfere with their ability to focus on schoolwork.
The study concludes that family structure plays a significant role in shaping students’ educational outcomes. Students from stable homes were found to be more consistent, disciplined, and better motivated toward their studies. Conversely, those from broken homes were more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviors, experience academic setbacks, and show lower levels of school commitment. It recommends that tertiary institutions should establish and adequately fund guidance and counseling units that cater to the emotional and psychological needs of students from broken homes and also Parents, regardless of marital status, should prioritize the educational welfare of their children. They should maintain open communication, emotional support, and financial contributions to ensure the child’s academic stability despite family separation.

This study explores the effects of parental separation on the well-being of adolescents and young adults in the Ekosodin community, Benin City, Nigeria, and examines the implications for social work practice. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research investigates emotional, psychological, academic, and behavioural outcomes among individuals aged 12 to 25 who have experienced parental separation. Findings reveal that separation often leads to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, as well as behavioural changes such as aggression, withdrawal, and academic disengagement. The study also identifies gaps in community support systems and limited access to formal psychosocial services. While some resilience factors and coping mechanisms were observed, many young people lacked adequate resources to manage the long-term impact of separation. The research highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive, community-based social work interventions tailored to the unique socio- economic and demographic context of Ekosodin. Recommendations include strengthening local support networks, expanding access to counseling services, and integrating social work strategies into youth development programs.

This study examined the “Social Work Intervention Strategies for Victims of Truancy and Juvenile Delinquency in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.” Truancy and juvenile delinquency have become pressing social and educational challenges, threatening academic achievement, school discipline, and the broader social development of young people. These behaviours are influenced by multiple socio-cultural, economic, and family-related factors, which often leave affected students vulnerable to further academic and social failure. Social work intervention provides a professional framework to address these challenges by offering preventive, remedial, and rehabilitative support for students at risk. The objectives of the study were to: identify the causes of truancy and juvenile delinquency in selected public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, examine the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing these behaviours, explore the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies in addressing truancy and juvenile delinquency, assess the roles of schools, families, and communities in supporting victims, and investigate the challenges facing social workers in implementing interventions. The study adopted Social Learning Theory and Ecological Systems Theory as its theoretical framework. A quantitative approach was adopted, using survey research design. The study population comprised secondary school students, teachers, parents, and social workers in Ovia North East LGA. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling
using systematic techniques. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire, validated by experts in social work. Reliability was ensured through testretest procedures. The findings revealed that peer pressure, poor parental supervision,
poverty, broken homes, negative school environments, and socio-cultural influences were major causes of truancy and juvenile delinquency. The study further showed that while social workers play an important role in counseling, advocacy, and school–community mediation, their involvement in secondary schools remains limited due to institutional, financial, and policy-related challenges. The study recommended, among others, that the government should integrate professional social workers into school systems to provide counseling and rehabilitation services; families and communities should be sensitized to their roles in curbing truancy and delinquency; and targeted economic and educational support should be provided for vulnerable students. Strengthening collaboration between schools, families, and community stakeholders was also emphasized as a key strategy to
reduce the menace

This study examined social work interventions in managing mental health among
students in public secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Guided by a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to
systematically describe the characteristics and patterns of mental health challenges
experienced by students as well as the effectiveness of social work interventions in
addressing them. The descriptive design enabled the researcher to collect relevant
information from a representative sample, providing an accurate reflection of the target population without attempting to establish causality. Egor LGA, an urban and semi- urban district within Benin City, served as the geographical focus due to its cultural
diversity, population density, and the presence of several notable educational and social institutions that influence youth development. The population of the study comprised students enrolled in public secondary schools in the area. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 400 students was selected from an estimated population of 574,406 persons. The study adopted a semi-structured questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic information and items directly aligned with the research questions. A four- point Likert scale facilitated the collection of quantifiable data regarding students’ perceptions of mental health challenges and the role of social work interventions. To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the instrument, expert validation was conducted, while reliability was established through the test-retest method. Data collection was
carried out personally by the researcher to ensure clarity and confidentiality. Ethical considerations such as informed consent and voluntary participation were strictly observed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools including tables, percentages, and graphical representations. Findings from the study provided meaningful insights into the current state of social work responses to mental health concerns within public schools in Egor LGA, contributing valuable knowledge to stakeholders seeking to strengthen mental health support systems in educational settings.

This study examined the effect of ageing on the mental health of women in Ikpoba-Okha: Implications for Social Work. The study sought to explore the psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced by ageing women, as well as the coping strategies adopted to maintain mental well-being. It also investigated the role of social workers in mitigating mental health problems associated with ageing. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to elderly women aged 60 years and above in selected communities within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 220 respondents were sampled using simple random sampling techniques. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages.
Findings revealed that most ageing women in Ikpoba-Okha experience varying degrees of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, largely due to declining physical health, economic hardship, neglect by family members, and reduced social participation. The study also showed that effective social support systems, counselling, and community-based interventions play crucial roles in promoting mental health among the elderly. The study concluded that ageing significantly affects women’s mental health and called for proactive social work interventions aimed at promoting emotional stability and social inclusion. It recommended increased government support, family involvement, and community awareness programs to mitigate the psychological impact of ageing among women.

This to examined the social economic factors that influence social mobility among women in University of Benin, Benin City with detailed objectives that identify the specific nature of social mobility, the social economic factors that influence social mobility, the role education play in influencing social mobility of women in University of Benin, Benin City and also, proffer the necessary recommendations that can be drawn from the experiences of socially mobile women at the University of Benin to enhance gender equality and social mobility for women. The research population of the study comprised all the junior and senior staff in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. In University of Benin there are more than twelve thousand, five hundred (12,500) staff. The researcher used Faculty of Social Sciences Staff in University of Benin as targeted population to carry out research work. The sampling technique to be used for this study is the simple random sampling technique. This study was based on a sampling size of 100 staff to represent the entire population. The method to be employed for this research is the statistical method such as the percentage to deduce the effective and interpret the further necessary discussions. In conclusion, the findings suggest a range of perceptions, attitudes, and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing gender equality and social mobility. While there is notable support for certain measures, such as involving socially mobile women in decision-making and providing mentorship, there are also areas where respondents have diverse opinions or concerns, particularly regarding education and scholarships. These findings provide a foundation for further discussions and actions to enhance gender equality and social mobility at the University of Benin. In light of the findings, it is evident that there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies and policies that address the challenges and opportunities associated with gender equality and social mobility at the University of Benin.

Leadership behavior plays a very important role in enhancing employee job satisfaction, motivation and job performance. Good leadership behavior accelerates the development of most organization. It therefore plays a critical role in the performance of organization. This study aims to investigate/research the impact of leadership styles on employee’s behavior at work. The case study of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) Benin City. This study focuses on the effect of leadership on employees’ behavior at work using the Benin Electricity Distribution company (BEDC). Thus participants in the study will be staff of BEDC in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state. This study will focus of five types of leadership styles and employee behaviours respectively

Globally, human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights and the psychological and social functioning impacts millions of people in all society including Nigerians. Nigeria is a source and transit nation for human trafficking, with many victims originating from vulnerable neighborhoods like Okogbo in Benin City, Edo State (Adepoju, 2019). Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transit, housing, or reception of persons for the purpose of exploitation using force, deception, or coercion (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2018). These people are taken advantage of in industries like commercial sex, manufacturing, domestic work, fishing, agriculture, and domestic work. 42% of victims are victims within their own nations, despite the fact that the majority of victims are trafficked across international borders (UNODC, 2016). 71% of the victims that have been found are female, and 28% are minors (UNODC, 2016).