DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

The study examined the correlates of community development and women empowerment in Ekosodin community, Edo states. The objective of the study was to determine the correlation that exists between community development and women empowerment in Ekosodin community; ascertain the empowerment initiatives available for women in Ekosodin community; ascertain the impact of governmental community activities in the empowerment of the women with community development in Ekosodin community and to ascertain the factors that may militate against women’s full empowerment and participation in community development processes in Ekosodin community. The cross sectional research design was adopted for this study. 381 copies of questionnaire were distributed to 381 respondents in respondents in Ekosodin community, Edo state. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages and mean, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 24.0. The empirical result revealed that women empowerment enables women in the community to control their economic and social aspect of life and that empowering women is essential to the health and social development of families, communities. The study recommends that the women should be given the opportunity to be fully involved in the development planning process right from the grassroots or community to the national levels and that skill acquisition for women should be a recurring decimal for women in the communities.

This study examined feminism and women education, assessing its impact on gender equality. The objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of gender inequality on women's level of education in Egor LGA of Benin City, examine the consequence of male sexism on women's political participation, and evaluate the outcome of gender disparity on women's employment status. The research design adopted is the one-shot or cross sectional design. This entails the collection of data
only once from the sampled study participants. This research design was adopted because the data needed for the study would best be obtained with this form of research design. The analysis of the different categories of the quantitative data was
presented with frequencies, percentages, tables, charts and cross tabulations. The findings from the study revealed that there exist a positive relationship between gender inequality and women’s education attainment in Egor LGA of Benin City, there is a link between male sexism (bigotry) and women political participation in Egor LGA of Benin City, and there is a significant relationship between gender disparity and women’s employment opportunities in Egor LGA of Benin City. The study recommended that the governments (national and sub-national) should prioritize their goals to put more focus on ensuring that there are equal rights, equal opportunities, equal working conditions and the stoppage of all forms of gender discrimination and bias in order to increase women’s capacity and efforts towards economic growth and development, Nigerians at all levels, from the family unit up to the institutions and work organizations, particularly those at the management positions, should realize the need for a gender balanced society and encourage women’s increased and effective participation and contribution to their own
individual and collective economic development and national productivity. The Economic policies of governments should be geared towards the creation of jobs, and the girl-child education should be encouraged, so as to give the female folks a sense
of belonging in the society and encourage them to make positive impact in their families.

Elder abuse is still a major issue in communities all over the world, including Ekosodin in Edo State, Nigeria. This study explored the scourge of elders’ abuse in Ekosodin community, Edo State. The prevalent problem of elder abuse in the Ekosodin community was investigated in this research, emphasizing its complexity and the difficulties it presents. Four research objectives
were formulated in this study. The study specifically determined the factors influencing elderly abuse in Ekosodin community, Edo State; examined the causes of elders abuse in Ekosodin community, Edo State; ascertained the effects of elders abuse in Ekosodin community, Edo State and examined the roles of social work in ameliorating the incidence of elder abuse in Ekosodin
community, Edo State. The study utilized the cross-sectional survey research design because the respondents were from
different economic background. The population of the study was 229,500 (population projection, 2022). The sample size of the study was 400 research participants. The study utilized the structured questionnaire as the instrument of data collection. The study also utilized the quantitative method of data collection. The results of the study were analyzed with the use of the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (23.0) programme and they were presented using tables and charts. The result of the study showed that elder abuse in Ekosodin can take many different forms, including physical, emotional, financial, and inattentive abuse, and it affects a lot of elderly people. The necessity of tackling elder abuse in Ekosodin is highlighted by this study. Community-centred solutions should be implemented, including awareness campaigns, support networks, procedures for reporting abuse, access to resources, and campaigning for local laws. By putting these measures in place, the Ekosodin community may attempt to make its older residents' surroundings safer and more respectful, therefore enhancing their wellbeing and
protecting their dignity. To secure the safety and empowerment of older individuals in this community, the battle against elder abuse in Ekosodin requires for collaborative action including community members, leaders, organizations, and governmental institutions.

This study is an evaluation of the psychotherapeutic intervention for victims of sexual abuse in Egor Community Edo State. The study adopted the survey research design on the basis of which data were sourced using simple random sampling technique. A sample of two hundred participants was adopted. The data was anlysed using quantitative and qualitative analysis. The result revealed that cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach can helps treat emotional and behavioural problem of victims of sexual abuse. Psychodynamic therapy can impact positively on manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)following sexual abuse. Social work therapeutic approach can ef ectively manage trauma faced by victims of sexual abuse in Egor Community Edo State. The study recommends that cognitive behavioral therapeutic approach should be adopted since it can helps to treat emotional and behavioural problem of victims of sexual abuse, ii is very important to design a system that could easy intervene for survivals. The extent of trauma faced by sexual abused survivals should determine whether psychodynamictherapy can impact positively on manifestations of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)following sexual abuse. Social work therapeutic approach should be made available in Egor Local Government welfare department where victims or survival of sexual abuse can obtain ef ective manage trauma during and post survival period

This study examines the health behaviour and maternal mortality in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State and adopted a qualitative research method with survey instruments deployed to gather relevant data for analysis. The study examines the socio-economic factors that influence women's health behaviours in Egor Local Government Area; evaluates the cultural variables that contribute to women's delayed access to healthcare in the study area; interrogates the types of healthcare services that influence women's access to healthcare and health-related behaviours in the research area, it examines the type of health habits of women in the area and investigates how common maternal mortality in the research area. Findings revealed that positive relationship exist between socio-economic factors and women's health behaviours in the study area; it was also revealed that there is a relationship between cultural variables and women's delayed access to healthcare in Egor local government area. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the health workers such as mid-wives should be knowledgeable enough
to understand the possible risk factors affecting pregnant women in the communities where they practice. It was also recommended that health worker be trained and, they should be able to provide emotional support, education, and practicalities that are personalised.

The advent of the internet has revolutionized various aspects of human life, including education. However, this progress has also given rise to new forms of crime, specifically cybercrime. Cybercrime refers to any illegal activity that primarily uses a computer as its medium. This broad category encompasses actions such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, and online scams. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in cybercrime, with university students being notably involved. This trend poses a grave concern for many educational institutions, including the University of Benin. The involvement of students in these illicit activities tarnishes the reputation of their respective institutions and poses severe threats to their academic achievements¹.

The study assessed the impact of the community based mental health programme onyouthsdevelopment in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. The population of the study comprisedfour hundred (400) respondents who are youths between the ages of 18 to 35 years whohavelived in Ekosodin community in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research method/designused for the study was survey research. The data collected from the respondents wereusedfor data analysis through simple descriptive statistics namely, simple percentage, frequencycount and mean rating. The findings of the research concluded that there are manyfactorsthat contribute to the incidence of mental health challenges among youths of Ekosodincommunity such as peer pressure, substance abuse, unemployment, financial problems, family challenges, lack of parental guidance etc. The community based mental healthprogramme has a significant impact on youth development in Ekosodin community, BeninCity. There are many limitations to the community based mental health programmeinEkosodin Community such as lack of financing to sustain mental health programming, stigmaand discrimination and lack of community awareness which impairs the effectiveness of thecommunity based mental health programme. Social workers play a significant role inthesuccessful implementation and effectiveness of mental health programming by helpingtoascertain who needs special programmes, joining forces with other professionals intheimplementation of mental health programming, bridging the gap between the communityandmental health service providers and increasing effectiveness and sustainability of communitybased mental health programmes. Based on these findings, it was suggested that thegovernment and other stakeholders increase funding and material resources for thecommunity based mental health programme in Ekosodin. Increased financial resources will support what is currently being done, allow for trained professionals to be hired, andcreatemodern counselling and therapy spaces for the youths.

Globally, mental health disorders are a major public health issue, affecting people across all age groups. Approximately 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions (World Health Organization 2022). The objective of the study was to examine the impact of community-based mental health programmes on youth development in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Hence the study ascertained the causes of mental health challenges among youth in the study area, explored the community-based mental health programs, determined how community-based mental health programs influence youth development, identified ways to improve the mental health and explored the role of social workers in community-based mental health programs in the Oredo Local Government Area. The study adopted the mixed-method type of research, also known as triangulation. This design allows to triangulate data by using multiple sources of information to confirm or validate each other’s. The study population included residents of Oredo LGA 18 years and above without prejudice to ethnic nationality, social status, or educational qualifications. LGA counsellors, health workers, and community heads in the LGA also form part of the Oredo LGA. The sample size for this was determined using an appropriate mathematical model for sample size and the multi-stage, otherwise known as area sampling, procedure in selecting respondents for the study. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) were used in data collection. The analysis and discussion were based on the data from the field using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. The findings from the study revealed that there were different causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The causes could be linked to spiritual, physical, or social and psychological triggers. These triggers included spiritual factors, such as the belief in the possession of evil spirits, and psychological factors, like frequent exposure to stressful and traumatic events. The findings further identified social triggers such as family history, poverty, and drug abuse as leading causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The findings revealed that existing mental health programs, like the school-based mental health program, were very effective. It was, however, discovered that the existing mental health xi program in the study area was not participatory. That is, the community members were not drafted as partners in the process towards addressing the mental health crisis. The services was also not easily accessible thereby limiting their benefits to those who needed them most. The study therefore recommends appropriate implementation of community-based mental health programmes that are participatory. That is, the type that engage the host community in the design, formulation, and implementation of mental health programs in the study area. The programme should be designed in such a way that it engage local leaders, community members, and youth themselves.

This study examined the relationship between institutional barriers, psychological factors, and career progression among female academic staff at the UniversityofBenin, with limited input from two other Nigerian universities for contextual comparison. Descriptive results showed that many women were clustered inloweracademic ranks, had experienced delays in promotion cycles, andwereunderrepresented in leadership positions. The data also highlighted constraints suchas limited mentorship, unclear promotion guidelines, challenges balancing workandfamily life, and self-limiting behaviours such as hesitating to apply for leadershiproles. Qualitative insights strengthened these findings by illustrating howgendernorms, workplace culture, and internalised beliefs influence career decisions. Thestudy concludes that gender-based disparities in career progression remainasignificant challenge within UNIBEN. While institutional policies exist tosupport academic promotion, their implementation is inconsistent, and cultural normscontinue to disadvantage women. Individual factors such as confidence, motivation, and perceived suitability for leadership further shape career choices. Leadershiptraining for women, the university should sponsor workshops and trainingprogrammes aimed at equipping women with administrative skills and confidence. Support for Work–Life Balance, policies such as flexible schedulingandaccessible childcare services can help reduce the domestic burdenthat disproportionately affects women. This study contributes to existing literaturebypresenting current evidence on gendered career barriers in UNIBENand highlightingthe combined effect of institutional constraints and self-limiting behaviours

Globally, mental health disorders are a major public health issue, affecting people across all age groups. Approximately 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions (World Health Organization 2022). The objective of the study was to examine the impact of community-based mental health programmes on youth development in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Hence the study ascertained he causes of mental health challenges among youth in the study area, explored the community-based mental health programs, determined how community-based mental health programs influence youth development, identified ways to improve the mental health and explored the role of social workers in community-based mental health programs in the Oredo Local Government Area. The study adopted the mixed-method type of research, also known as triangulation. This design allows to triangulate data by using multiple sources of information to confirm or validate each other’s. The study population included residents of Oredo LGA 18 years and above without prejudice to ethnic nationality, social status, or educational qualifications. LGA counsellors, health workers, and community heads in the LGA also form part of the population. A sample size of 424 was drawn from the total population of residents 18 years and above from the 12 wards in the Oredo LGA. The sample size for this was determined using an appropriate mathematical model for sample size and the multi-stage, otherwise known as area sampling, procedure in selecting respondents for the study. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) were used in data collection. The analysis and discussion were based on the data from the field using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. The findings from the study revealed that there were different causes of mental health
challenges in the study area. The causes could be linked to spiritual, physical, or social and psychological triggers. These triggers included spiritual factors, such as the belief in the possession of evil spirits, and psychological factors, like frequent exposure to stressful and traumatic events. The findings further identified social triggers such as family history, poverty, and drug abuse as leading causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The findings revealed that existing mental health programs, like the school-based mental health program, were very effective. It was, however, discovered that the existing mental health xi program in the study area was not participatory. That is, the community members were not drafted as partners in the process towards addressing the mental health crisis. The services was also not easily accessible thereby limiting their benefits to those who needed them most. The study therefore recommends appropriate implementation of community-based mental health programmes that are participatory. That is, the type that engage the host community in the design, formulation, and implementation of mental health programs in the study area. The programme should be designed in such a way that it engage local leaders, community members, and youth themselves.