DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examined the ef ects of household poverty on the psychosocial well-beingof childrenin Egor Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State. The research was necessitatedbythegrowing concern that despite educational reforms like EdoBEST, the "internalized" reality of economic hardship continues to hinder the developmental trajectory of children inperi-urbanareas. Specifically, the study sought to determine the prevalence of multidimensional poverty, assess the extent of psychosocial well-being, analyze internalizing behaviors, and identify the coping mechanisms adopted by these children. Theoretically, the study was anchoredon Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory and the Toxic Stress Framework. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, utilizing a sample size of 200 respondents comprisingparents and children aged 13–17 selected through simple random sampling across wards in Egor LGA. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, and descriptive scholarly interpretation. Findings revealed a high prevalence of multi dimensional poverty, significantly exacerbated by recent macro economic shocks such as inflation and fuel subsidy removal. The results indicated profound "psychosocialerosion," characterized by a sense of inferiority, chronic anxiety, and somatization. Furthermore,the study identified a "Labor-Play Imbalance," where significant majority of children engaged in street hawking as a primary coping mechanism, leading to social competence deficits. The study concluded that poverty in Egor LGA has transcended material lack to become a "developmentalpathogen" that rewires children's emotional architecture. Consequently, it was recommended that the Edo State Government integrate trauma-informed psychosocial support services into the school system, implement "Cash Plus" social safety nets, and establish community-based safeplay zones to mitigate the long-term impact of economic trauma on the next generation

This study investigated the impact of school social workers on students' academic performance in public senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The main objective were to With a sample size of 100 participants, including 70 students and 30 teachers selected through stratified random sampling, the research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to assess variables such as attendance rates, behavioral issues, and academic grades. The findings revealed a significant positive correlation between the presence of school social workers and improved academic outcomes. Specifically, 65% of students reported enhanced emotional support and reduced absenteeism due to interventions by social workers, leading to a 15% average increase in examination scores compared to schools without such services. Qualitative data highlighted that social workers effectively addressed socio-economic challenges, family issues, and mental health barriers, fostering a conducive learning environment. In conclusion, school social workers play a crucial role in enhancing students' academic performance by mitigating non-academic obstacles. The study recommends increased funding and integration of social work services in public schools to promote holistic student development. These insights underscore the need for policy reforms in Egor LGA to prioritize social worker roles for sustainable educational improvements.

This study examined how cultural factors influence the reporting of sexual abuse among teenagers in Ekosodin Community. The research focused on the ways cultural beliefs, family stigma, gender expectations, and institutional barriers shape whether young people disclose abuse. A total of 384 respondents aged 13 to 17 participated, with data collected through a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings show that cultural silence, taboo attitudes toward sexual matters, and honour-based thinking strongly affect how teenagers interpret abuse. Many respondents indicated that victims are seen as bringing shame to their families, which discourages disclosure. Family stigma emerged as a major barrier, with most teenagers reporting that families fear reputational damage and often suppress discussion of abuse. Gender also played a notable role in the reporting of abuse. Girls were viewed as more believable when reporting abuse, while boys faced doubt tied to expectations of strength and emotional toughness. The study further revealed widespread distrust of authorities, long delays in case handling, and perceptions of bias or corruption in formal reporting channels. Respondents identified the involvement of trusted community leaders, confidential reporting structures, and school-based awareness programmes as strategies that could encourage disclosure. The study concludes that under-reporting in Ekosodin is sustained by an interplay of cultural norms, family pressures, gendered beliefs, and institutional weaknesses. It recommends community-driven education, strengthened family support, gender-sensitive interventions, and improved institutional responsiveness as essential steps toward creating an environment where teenagers can report sexual abuse safely and without fear.

The influence of social media on youth behavior has become a major concern, particularly regarding its role in promoting drug abuse. This study investigates how social media contributes to drug use among youths in General Ovia North East, Edo State, focusing on the relationship between exposure to online content, peer interactions, and drug-related behaviors. The objectives were to determine the types of social media content that influence drug use, examine the role of peer pressure in online spaces, and assess youths’ awareness of the risks associated with substance abuse. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture a holistic understanding of the phenomenon. Data were collected from youths aged 15–30 years, using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. Quantitative findings indicate a significant correlation between high social media usage and increased susceptibility to drug abuse, while qualitative insights reveal that peer influence, online trends, and social validation strongly affect youths’ attitudes toward drug experimentation. Additionally, many respondents perceive drug use as socially normalized within certain online communities.
The study concludes that social media plays a critical role in shaping youth behaviors, both directly through exposure to drug-related content and indirectly through peer influence. Recommendations include the implementation of targeted awareness campaigns, parental supervision, and policy interventions to mitigate the negative impact of social media on youths. This research provides valuable evidence for public health practitioners, educators, and community leaders in designing strategies to prevent and reduce drug abuse among youths in Edo State and similar communities

This study looks at how well social media works in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, to improve public perception of the social work profession. The study uses quota sampling and a descriptive research approach to examine the interaction and content on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The study finds important themes and attitudes that shape public opinion through questionnaires. The results show that social media used strategically greatly improves community comprehension and appreciation of social work services. The study comes to the conclusion that social media may be a powerful tool for social advocacy and education when used wisely, which will make the workplace a more encouraging place for social workers.

This study assessed the roles and importance of social workers in managing terminal illness, using the Palliative Care Unit of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, as the study area. Terminal illnesses often present complex medical, psychological, and social challenges for patients and their families, thereby requiring comprehensive support beyond medical treatment. The study adopted a survey research design, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to patients and significant others within the palliative care unit. A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, out of which 130 were successfully retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods such as frequency counts and simple percentages.
Findings from the study revealed that patients with terminal illnesses experience significant psychological and emotional challenges, including difficulty adapting to lifestyle changes and treatment demands. The results also indicated that family members and caregivers often experience emotional distress and reduced personal time due to caregiving responsibilities. Furthermore, the study showed that social workers play a critical role in providing psychosocial support, counseling, care coordination, advocacy, and linkage to social resources for both patients and their families. However, the findings also highlighted limited awareness among some respondents regarding the roles of social workers in healthcare settings. The study concludes that social workers are essential in promoting holistic care and improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients. It therefore recommends increased awareness, institutional support, and integration of social workers into multidisciplinary healthcare teams to enhance palliative care services

This study used the quantitative research method to determine the impact of child labour on the academic performance of children in the Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey design was adopted as the research design for the study and a sample size of one hundred (120) respondents were randomly taken using the simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire instrument was used for data collection and the content validity was used for validation, while the test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data using the frequency distribution and simple percentage method. The study showed that some women are highly competent for most of the job opportunities
in Nigeria but yet are not adequately employed due to diverse reasons such as inequalities as a result of gender

This study used the quantitative research method to determine the impact of child labour on academic performance of children in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey design was adopted as the research design for the study and a sample size of one hundred (120) respondents were randomly taken using the simple random sampling technique. The questionnaire instrument was used for data collection and the content validity was used for validation while the test retest method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21 was used to analyze the data using the frequency distribution and simple percentage method. The study showed that some women are highly competent for most of the job opportunities in Nigeria but yet are not adequately employed due to diverse reasons such as inequalities as a result of gender.

Divorce, a phenomenon that has become increasingly prevalent in many societies, has far-reaching implications, especially on the lives of children. This study investigates the implications of divorce on children in the Obe Community, located in Benin City, Edo State. The research focuses on understanding how parental separation affects children’s psychological, emotional, social, and educational development. Using a qualitative and descriptive methodology, data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaires administered to divorced parents, children from divorced homes, teachers, and community leaders. The findings reveal that divorce significantly disrupts the emotional stability of children in Obe Community, leading to feelings of abandonment, insecurity, and low self-esteem. Many children experience difficulty adjusting to new family structures, such as living with a single parent or a step-parent. Educationally, children from divorced homes were observed to perform less favorably in school due to divided attention, lack of parental guidance, and emotional distress. Socially, these children often exhibit behavioral issues such as aggression, withdrawal, or involvement in delinquent activities, stemming from the absence of a balanced parental model and inadequate supervision. The study further highlights the cultural and economic factors in Obe Community that exacerbate the negative effects of divorce. In many cases, single- parent households struggle financially, affecting the children’s access to quality education, healthcare, and other basic needs. Additionally, societal stigma and communal perceptions of broken homes contribute to the isolation and discrimination faced by children of divorced parents, thereby hindering their social integration and personal development.

This study investigates the effects of conflict on the academic performance of students at the University of Benin and explores the implications for social work interventions. Drawing on the Social-Ecological Model, the research examines how academic, personal, and social conflicts ranging from grading disputes and interpersonal tensions to financial stress impact students’ academic outcomes and mental well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes students’ coping mechanisms, evaluates the effectiveness of existing conflict resolution structures within the university, and identifies gaps in institutional support. Findings reveal that unresolved conflicts contribute to decreased academic motivation, heightened anxiety, and lower performance metrics. While some students employ adaptive coping strategies, many rely on avoidance or peer support, which may not yield sustainable academic success. The study highlights the limited accessibility and perceived ineffectiveness of current university conflict resolution mechanisms. It underscores the critical role of social workers in educational settings, advocating for their integration into university systems to provide counseling, mediation, and psycho-social support. The research concludes with practical recommendations for social work-led interventions aimed at fostering a more supportive and resilient academic environment.