DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examines social work intervention strategies for women victims of widowhood rites in Uvwie Community. The study adopted survey administration of questionnaire to a sample of 100 respondents. The data was analysed using simple percentage tables. The results revealed that the actual problems facing window in Uvwie community can be handled by social work strategies. The result shows that cultural factors are major cause of these widowhood rite problems in Uvwie community. The result also shows that widowhood rites affect children and the society at large. The study recommends that wwidows need to be adequately educated; Governments, Social Worker and Non- governmental organizations, as well as religious bodies should be proactive and take up the responsibility of educating women so as to resist them from those who want to subject them to traumatizing widowhood rites. All stakeholders should embark on programmes that would empower widows through various skills acquisition programmes, for them to become self-reliant and take care of their immediate families as well as to contribute to
the growth and development of the nation. Also, Social Worker, Governments and all other stake holders should embark on programmes that would enhance periodic information through enlightenment programmes for widows and the generality of women, particularly on the issue of widowhood. Women should be wise enough to encourage their husband’s to write wills and also to formally concede properties to them while the man is still alive. On the other hand, the women themselves should try as much as possible to be working all find something doing this will ease the financial burden that will arise at the demise of their husbands.

This study examined the impact of cultural factors on the practice of social work in Ekosodin Community. The study adopted a survey research design to explore how cultural beliefs, traditions, and social norms influence social work practice within the community. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected using purposive (judgmental) sampling techniques, consisting of individuals who were involved in or exposed to cultural factors affecting social work practice in the area.

Data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. The instrument was validated using face validity, while its reliability was determined through the test–retest reliability method. The questionnaires were administered personally by the researcher with the assistance of a research assistant, who guided respondents in completing the instrument. The study employed a mixed method approach consisting of a perception survey and a self-substance use survey. The perception survey generated data from members of the community who are affected by cultural influences on social work practices, while the self-substance use survey involved social workers and clients directly impacted by these cultural factors.

The data collected were analyzed using the IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings revealed that cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence the effectiveness of social work practice in the community. The study highlighted the importance of social workers having a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics present among Nigeria’s diverse ethnic groups. The research therefore recommends the inclusion of comprehensive cultural competence training in social work education programs to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of social work practice in the community.

Older adults are one of the populations at risk in most traditional African societies, with growing issues of various forms of abuse and neglect that exacerbate their already deteriorating conditions, being perpetrated by their family members and caregivers. Hence the study examined prevalence of older adult abuse and social work intervention in Etinan Local Government Area, Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria. The study adopted the quantitative and qualitative research methods, where the cross-sectional research design was adopted in collecting quantitative data. The phenomenology research design was employed for the collection of qualitative data. The study area was in Etinan Local Government Area, AkwaIbom State, Nigeria, covering ten major streets in five communities in Etinan Local Government Area. The target participants were older adults within the age range of 65 years and above, who were victims and those who had knowledge and experience of older adult abuse. A sample size of 400 respondents and 10 informants were adopted for the quantitative and qualitative data respectively, while the simple random and purposive sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the respondents and informants. The research instrument for collecting the quantitative data was a structured questionnaire on a one-time survey and face to face basis, while the qualitative data was collected with the aid of an unstructured in-depth interview guide. Quantitative data collected was analyzed with the statistical packages of social sciences (SPSS) version 22, and the results were presented using percentages, tables, frequency distribution, cross tabulations, charts and descriptive statistics. Thematic and phenomenological methods of data analysis were used to analyze the qualitative data obtained from the field. The findings emphasized that various forms of elder abuse especially emotional, physical, and financial, were perceived as serious challenges affecting older adults’ well-being, demanding increased awareness, prevention efforts, and policy interventions.The findings indicated that socio-cultural, economic, and institutional factors jointly contributed to the mistreatment of older adults. It also revealed a strong consensus that elder abuse lead to broad and lasting harm across emotional, social, and physical domains among older adults. It revealed gaps in institutional and communal support that require policy attention and education initiatives. The study recommended that government and relevant stakeholders should organize community workshops targeting families, caregivers, and older adults to raise awareness about elder abuse, its signs, and consequences.

This study examines the impact of poverty on the mental health of the elderly in Ovbiogie community, Edo State. Poverty is a pervasive issue that affects the well- being of individuals, particularly the elderly. The study aims to investigate the relationship between poverty and mental health outcomes among the elderly in Ovbiogie community. A cross-sectional survey design will be employed, and data will be collected from a sample of elderly individuals in the community. The study's findings will contribute to the understanding of the impact of poverty on the mental health of the elderly and inform the development of interventions to address this issue.

This study investigates the prevalence and nature of elder abuse in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, and evaluates the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies. It explores the socio-economic, health, and cultural challenges faced by older adults, including financial insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and social isolation. The erosion of traditional family support systems due to urbanization and migration has left many elderly individuals vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment, highlighting the urgent need for formal care structures and culturally sensitive interventions. Using a quantitative research approach, 280 questionnaires were distributed, with 266 valid responses analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS. The findings reveal that psychological abuse is the most prevalent form of elder mistreatment, and that cultural values significantly influence caregiving practices. While informal care remains central, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural understanding into social work practice to enhance the quality of care and support for older adults. The study concludes that effective social work interventions such as advocacy, counseling, caregiver training, and community sensitization are essential to improving the well-being of older adults. It recommends collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to develop sustainable elder care systems. These insights contribute to policy development, professional training, and future research aimed at safeguarding the dignity and rights of Nigeria’s aging population.

This study examined the Challenges of Child Welfare and Protection Services in Uromi Town, Esan North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The main objective was to investigate the barriers hindering effective child welfare and protection in Uromi and to identify strategies for improving the well-being of children. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents, including caregivers, teachers, community leaders, and social workers, selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that harmful cultural practices, poverty, and weak law enforcement were the major challenges affecting child welfare in Uromi. Although awareness of child protection laws was relatively high, knowledge and utilization of available welfare services remained limited. Additionally, most cases of child abuse and neglect were underreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in existing structures. Encouragingly, the study found strong community willingness to participate in child protection initiatives if supported by government and NGOs. The study concludes that child welfare challenges in Uromi are rooted in cultural, economic, and institutional factors. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and practical implementation at the grassroots level. It is therefore recommended that government and NGOs: (i) engage community and religious leaders in awareness campaigns to discourage harmful practices, (ii) implement poverty alleviation and empowerment programs to reduce economic pressures on families, (iii) decentralize child welfare services through community-based social workers and confidential reporting systems, and (iv) establish participatory community child protection committees to harness local willingness and strengthen enforcement of child protection laws

This study examined a comparative analysis of parenting styles and their impact on
academic performance of senior secondary school students in Ovia North-East Local
Government Area of Edo State. The population comprised of all senior secondary school
students in Ovia North-East, while a sample of 300 students was selected using simple
random sampling technique. The research aimed to determine how different parenting
styles namely, authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful, influence students’ academic achievements. The study employed a quantitative descriptive survey design to
examine the impact of different parenting styles on students’ academic performance. A
structured questionnaire was used to gather data from respondents categorized according
to four major parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. The findings revealed that students raised under authoritative parenting recorded the highest level of academic performance of (60%), followed by students raised under authoritarian parenting (44.7%). In contrast, permissive and neglectful parenting styles
produced fewer students with high academic achievement recording 31.6% and 20%
respectively. Students raised under neglectful or uninvolved parenting styles recoded the
highest percentage of low academic performance (33.3%), which implies that students
with minimal or no parental guidance or support are prone to poor academic performance. The computed Chi-square (χ²) value of 43.2 with 6 degrees of freedom at the 0.05 level of significance indicated a significant relationship between parenting style and students’ academic performance. The study concludes that the authoritative parenting style has the most positive influence on students’ academic achievement and recommends that parents adopt a balanced, supportive, and communicative approach to child-rearing to enhance
their children’s educational outcomes

This study evaluated factors responsible for the increase in crime among youths: using Egor as a case study. The main objective of the study is to bring to light the downplayed factors that contribute to the increased crime rate among youths in Egor Local Government area. The specific objectives are to investigate causes of crime, examine the influence of family dynamics on juvenile delinquency, explore how family background and parental upbringing influences youth involvement in criminal activities and identify the roles of social workers in addressing crime among youths in the study area. The study adopted a descriptive research approach and a population of 339,899 with a sample size of 300 using the purposive sampling. The findings aligned with the global research that youths and young adults constitute the group most vulnerable to involvement in deviant behaviours and that socio-economic factors like poverty and unemployment are drivers of youth crime in the study area. The following recommendations were made that the government should strengthen economic empowerment programmes for youths and families are encouraged to develop consistent and positive parenting practices and communities establish neighbourhood watch programmes.

This study explores the development of a social work intervention model aimed at improving food security and nutrition among children in Benin City, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of rising food inflation, urban poverty, and systemic malnutrition, the research investigates the prevalence and causes of food insecurity, emphasizing its impact on child health and development. Using a descriptive survey design, the study identifies key socioeconomic drivers such as household income, maternal education, and access to healthcare. It proposes a structured, evidence-based framework for social workers to transition from reactive aid distribution to proactive, holistic interventions. The model integrates case management, community empowerment, and policy advocacy to address both immediate nutritional needs and long-term resilience. Findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts among social workers, policymakers, and NGOs to combat child malnutrition and promote sustainable food security in urban settings. Keywords: Food Security, Malnutrition, Social Work Intervention, Child Nutrition, Urban Poverty.

This study did an evaluation of disability support services in the University Of Benin (UNIBEN), this study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument for data collection. The study adopted simple percentage tables. The results revealed
students with disabilities at the University of Benin do not express a uniform experience with support services, there is a growing awareness of both the structural limitations and the social barriers that influence how such services are accessed and experienced. The results also revealed that although some students benefit from available support, many continue to encounter challenges related to service visibility, responsiveness to individual needs, and a lack of inclusion in the broader university environment. The results further underscore the essential role of disability support services not only in academic achievement but also in shaping students’ sense of belonging, dignity, and equity within the institution. These findings reinforce existing scholarship that emphasizes the importance of inclusive education systems that are both practically accessible and socially affirming. Like other studies in the Nigerian context, this research highlights that disability support in higher education must move beyond tokenistic provision toward a more systemic, rights-based, and student-centered approach. If left unaddressed, these barriers may continue to marginalize students with disabilities, thereby limiting their academic success and full integration into university life. The study recommended Launch a comprehensive awareness campaign including orientation sessions, campus signage, and online platforms to ensure all students are aware of disability support services. Implement needs-based case management, allowing tailored accommodations and flexible support plans that reflect individual student needs. Conduct regular workshops to educate faculty and support staff on inclusive practices, legal rights, and disability-responsive pedagogy. Introduce awareness programs that normalize disabilities and promote empathy, supported by student testimonies and participation in inclusion-focused dialogues