DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

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

The study assessed the impact of the community based mental health programme on youths development in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. The population of the study comprised four hundred (400) respondents who are youths between the ages of 18 to 35 years who have lived in Ekosodin community in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research method/design used for the study was survey research. The data collected from the respondents were used for data analysis through simple descriptive statistics namely, simple percentage, frequency count and mean rating. The findings of the research concluded that there are many factors that contribute to the incidence of mental health challenges among youths of Ekosodin community such as peer pressure, substance abuse, unemployment, financial problems, family challenges, lack of parental guidance etc. The community based mental health programme has a significant impact on youth development in Ekosodin community, Benin City. There are many limitations to the community based mental health programme in Ekosodin Community such as lack of financing to sustain mental health programming, stigma and discrimination and lack of community awareness which impairs the effectiveness of the community based mental health programme. Social workers play a significant role in the successful implementation and effectiveness of mental health programming by helping to ascertain who needs special programmes, joining forces with other professionals in the implementation of mental health programming, bridging the gap between the community and mental health service providers and increasing effectiveness and sustainability of community based mental health programmes. Based on these findings, it was suggested that the government and other stakeholders increase funding and material resources for the community based mental health programme in Ekosodin. Increased financial resources will support what is currently being done, allow for trained professionals to be hired, and create modern counselling and therapy spaces for the youths

This study examined the relationship between institutional barriers, psychological factors, and career progression among female academic staff at the University of Benin, with limited input from two other Nigerian universities for contextual comparison. Descriptive results showed that many women were clustered in lower academic ranks, had experienced delays in promotion cycles, and were underrepresented in leadership positions. The data also highlighted constraints such as limited mentorship, unclear promotion guidelines, challenges balancing work and family life, and self-limiting behaviours such as hesitating to apply for leadership roles. Qualitative insights strengthened these findings by illustrating how gender norms, workplace culture, and internalised beliefs influence career decisions. The study concludes that gender-based disparities in career progression remain a significant challenge within UNIBEN. While institutional policies exist to support academic promotion, their implementation is inconsistent, and cultural norms continue to disadvantage women. Individual factors such as confidence, motivation, and perceived suitability for leadership further shape career choices. Leadership training for women, the university should sponsor workshops and training programmes aimed at equipping women with administrative skills and confidence. Support for Work–Life Balance, policies such as flexible scheduling andaccessible childcare services can help reduce the domestic burden that disproportionately affects women. This study contributes to existing literature by presenting current evidence on gendered career barriers in UNIBEN and highlighting the combined effect of institutional constraints and self-limiting behaviours

This research work sets out to examine the psychological effects of violence on women and children. It is against this background that the research project sets out the following objectives amongst which are: to ascertain the psychological effect of violence on women, to ascertain the psychological effect of violence of children and to determine the nature of violence on children. With this objectives, 100 respondents were given questionnaires to fill in other to ascertain the psychological effects associated with violence against women and children. To this end, this research aim to bring this psychological effects to light and also to proffer solutions that would help ameliorate this social problem against women and children.

Nigeria has no functional national policy on the care and welfare of older persons. Changing demographics in Nigeria, in addition to the breakdown of the family structure and absence of a social security system, present unique challenges to the elderly in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the current policy lacuna and future issues concerning older persons in Nigeria. It posits that the introduction of neoliberal economic policies created a vacuum in policy formulation and execution in which the older persons are not provided for within the social safety nets in the neoliberal state. This exploratory, qualitative study is based on interviews and
narratives of interviews with government officials. The findings of the study show that, in the face of rapid demographic change, one of the major challenges facing Nigeria is developing policies and appointing personnel capable of understanding and responding to the current social priorities and complex needs of an increasingly ageing population in the country. Furthermore, the findings of this study shows that modernization has brought a lot of changes in ageing population in Nigeria. The more modernized a society becomes the more the status of the other declines. The extended family no longer care for aged parents at home because of modernization. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations that may assist the government to table policies that will promote the well-being of the elderly in Nigeria

The study sets out to investigate the psychological effects of single parenting on children. It examined the causes of single parenting and social work interventions to ameliorate the living standards of children who have been affected negatively. Existing literature on single parenting and it's psychological effects on children are mostly linked to the

individualistic perception of a phenomenon without considering the outcome and psychological, and social imbalance in children. A structured questionnaire was
administered in the secondary school in the Olomoro community based on access to road and the population available in the area. The sample size of the study consisted of 218 students through stratified proportionate sampling technique. Evidence from the findings shows that single parents and their children are faced with economic, emotional, social, and psychological problems, which makes it difficult to meet basic needs and personal expenses. Recommendations were made based on the findings which can have a positive ripple effect on not only the single parents but the children, society, and the nation at large.

Depression among teenage mothers has emerged as a significant public health concern globally. This study investigates the Prevalence and Associated factors of Depression among Teenage Mothers in Benin Metropolis of Edo State Nigeria. The study adopted Multi stage sampling technique while primary data collection was used to obtain data from the respondents. Data gathered was subjected to Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient which was used to establish the study feasibility. 500 female participants aged between 13 to 19 years were purposely selected with a structured questionnaire. Ambiguity in the instruments
was eliminated. The data collected was analyzed and presented in percentages and tables. Results revealed that there is high degree of depression among teenage mothers in Benin metropolis and identifies lack of social support, stigma, and economic dependence as predictors of depression, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the mental health needs of teenage mothers in Benin metropolis. The study recommends that to address depression among teenage mothers, accessible and affordable mental health services, including counseling and therapy, should be provided within existing healthcare facilities. Routine screening for depression during antenatal and postnatal care can help identify those in need of further support. Peer support groups, education on family planning and parenting, and social support networks can empower teenage mothers and enhance their self-esteem. Childcare support and community-based initiatives can also promote socialization and reduce isolation. Ultimately, policy reforms are necessary to address the unique needs of teenage mothers and ensure they have access to education, healthcare, and social services. Keywords: depression, teenage mothers, social support, post-natal, interventions, child care, support group.

The study examined the importance of the availability of reproductive health
services for women in Ovia North-East Local Gvernment Area of Edo State. The objective
of the study was to examine the importance of the availability of reproductive health
services for women in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State; to assess the
availability of reproductive health services for women in Ovia North-East Local
Government Area, Edo State; to ascertain the awareness level of reproductive health
services among women of reproductive age in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State and to investigate the determinants of reproductive health seeking behaviour among women of reproductive age in Ovia North-East Local Government Area, Edo State. The cross sectional research design was adopted for this study. 400 copies of questionnaire were distributed to respondents in Ovia North-East Local Government Area. Data collected were analyzed using frequency count, percentages, and mean with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 24.0.