DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examines Social work intervention on unemployment among the Nigeria youths, using Oredo Local Government in Edo State. Nigeria has come a long waysince1922 in terms of the number and spread of political parties. Unemployment continues to be a global issue even as the world population continues to increase. Some countries have effectively put in place policies that mitigate this growing issue while others have failed to plan and continue to suffer the consequences of their actions and inactions on a daily basis. The study adopts a survey design and employs quantitative research methods. Primary data is collected through structured questionnaires administered. The sample size is determined using Taro Yamane 1967 sample size determination formula, yielding approximately 218 respondents, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation. The data collected from the instruments were organized in tables using simple percentages. Cronbach’s Alpha is employed to test the reliability of the research instrument, ensuring consistency in measuring the variables. Findings from the study revealed that there are social work interventions on unemployment among the Nigeria Youths. It was also revealed that there is a relationship between the youth unemployment rate and the gross domestic product of Nigeria. The study offers valuable recommendations that Professional associations, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASoW), should implement membership education and continuing education programmes for recertification, ensuring members stay informed about social welfare policies and programmes. This initiative will empower them to engage relevant stakeholders effectively in efforts to reduce youth unemployment.

This study explored the roles of social workers in hospital settings with a specific focus on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing complexities of patients' biopsychosocial needs in modern healthcare systems necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, of which social work plays a critical role. The study adopted a case study research design comprising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) data collection methods to explore the various roles undertaken by social workers within the hospital setting. Specifically, the research investigated how social workers contribute to patient care, psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, mental health support, advocacy, and policy development in the hospital environment. A total of 131 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals and patients, while 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with practicing social workers at UBTH. Findings revealed that social workers are pivotal in bridging the gap between the medical and psychosocial needs of patients, advocating for patient rights, coordinating care plans, and providing emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families. Challenges such as limited recognition, understaffing, and poor working conditions were also identified. The study concluded with recommendations aimed at improving the visibility, support, and operational environment for hospital social workers in Nigeria. Keywords: Social work, social worker, hospital setting, patient care, inter-professional collaboration.

This study explores the level of knowledge and awareness of social work practice among students of the University of Benin. Social work, as a professional field, plays a vital rolein promoting human well-being, advocating for social justice, and enhancing the quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Despite its growing significance in contemporary society, social work remains a misunderstood and under appreciated discipline, particularly among university students who are expected to be future change agents. The research assessed the extent to which students from various faculties and departments understand the goals, principles, and practical applications of social work. It also investigates factors that influence awareness levels, such as faculty of study, exposure to social work education, and participation in social intervention programs. The methodology adopted for this study is a quantitative survey research design, aimed at
collecting numerical data that can be statistically analyzed. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to a stratified random sample of 500 undergraduate students across different faculties within the University of Benin. The questionnaire contained both closed and open-ended questions designed to measure students' awareness, understanding, and perceptions of social work as a discipline and profession. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests) to determine the relationship between students' demographic variables and their level of awareness. The findings revealed significant gaps in knowledge about social work practice among students, with recommendations geared toward improving social work visibility and integration into general university curricula. Ultimately, the study underscores the need for greater advocacy and educational campaigns to raise awareness and promote the relevance of social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions such as the University of Benin
social work in national development, especially in higher education institutions suchasthe University of Benin

This study focused on mental health awareness and stigma among students and staff in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A total of five (5) research questions were formulated to guide the investigation. The population of the study comprised 3,194 students across all departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The sample size consisted of 500 respondents, distributed as follows: 100 from Sociology and Anthropology, 100 from Social Work, 100 from Political Science, 100 from Economics and Statistics, 25 from Geography, and 75 from Public Administration. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed statistically and presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages of responses. Findings from the study revealed the level of mental health awareness and stigma among both students and faculty members. The study also identified various ways to control stigma within the faculty and proposed recommendations to enhance mental health promotion and reduce discrimination. These include: institutionalizing mental health education, establishing and strengthening support systems, implementing regular awareness campaigns, encouraging peer support initiatives, training faculty and administrative staff, and engaging university leadership in mental health advocacy

This study examined Social Work Interventions for Substance Abuse by Youth, Their Effectiveness and Challenges in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from youths and social workers through questionnaires and interviews. Findings revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, and family instability are key factors influencing youth substance abuse. Social work interventions such as counselling, rehabilitation, and community sensitization were identified, though their effectiveness was limited by inadequate funding, stigma, and lack of facilities. The study concludes that while social work interventions have a positive impact, stronger government support and community involvement are needed to enhance their effectiveness.

This study focuses on evaluating the causes of intimate partner violence in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State, and five research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive research design. The population for the study comprised of seven thousand six hundred and seventy-nine (7,679) residence in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Random sampling techniques were used in the selection of respondents, the sample size was made up of two hundred (200) randomly selected respondents from Ovia North East Local Government Area in Edo state. The findings show that domestic violence can adversely affect the physiological, psychological, emotional, financial, wellbeing of a victim and any witness when the crime is carried out. It was observed that domestic violence can lead to death of victim in most severe cases, majority of the respondent
agreed that the education of a girl child can be disrupted or harshly affected thereby causing depression, loss of interest in school activities and even the abuse of hard drugs amongst others and It is observed that social workers are capable of sensitizing the general public about the cases of domestic violence and its effect and educating them on how to report cases of domestic violence as the protection against domestic violence is a very important in the achievement of a healthy family and society at large. This work also recommended that Seminars should be organized to enlighten girl child on the disadvantages of cohabiting with a partner and rehabilitation centers should be built, adequately structured and equipped with well trained
professionals from every related field of concern in order to enhance the behaviours of the perpetrator

This study examined influence of drug abuse on students’ academic performance in Benin City, (A Case Study of UNIBEN Students). Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. The sample for the study consists of one hundred (100) respondents selected from the area under investigation. The participants were selected
using the simple random sampling technique while the data was collected with the aid of questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the instrument were ascertained using the test-retest procedures. Simple percentages and revealed that drug abuse influences students’ academic performance negatively and also, that most students consume Indian hemp frequently coupled with the fact that the prevalence of cocaine consumption among students is also high. The study recommended that School authority should enforce strict rules on drug abuse by requiring all social events during orientation of first years to be drug free, disseminate responsible host guidelines for both on- and off-campus parties, install a responsible beverage service program, eliminate residence hall delivery of alcohol purchases, advertise food and activities, such as dancing or sports, rather than drinking as the focus of the event.

This study investigates the role of social workers in organizations, focusing on their functions, contributions to employee welfare and productivity, as well as the challenges they encounter in organizational settings. The research employed a descriptive survey design, which was considered appropriate for obtaining the perceptions, attitudes, and experiences of employees and management staff regarding the relevance of social workers in workplace environments. The design enabled the collection of first-hand data from a sizeable group of respondents without manipulating variables, thereby ensuring that the findings reflected the realities of organizational life. The population of the study consisted of 200 employees and management staff drawn from selected organizations, including corporate bodies, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and non-governmental organizations. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 100 respondents, ensuring fair inclusion of both management and non-management staff. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire divided into three sections, which covered demographic details, functions of social workers, and their contributions and challenges. A four-point Likert scale was used to measure responses, facilitating clear interpretation of the data. To ensure validity, the instrument was reviewed by experts in social work and research methodology, while reliability was established using the test-retest method with Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, with results presented in tables for easy interpretation. Ethical standards, including informed consent, confidentiality, and organizational permission, were strictly adhered to throughout the study. The findings highlight that social workers play a crucial role in promoting employee welfare, enhancing productivity, and mediating organizational conflicts. However, challenges such as lack of institutional recognition, limited resources, and organizational constraints affect their efficiency. The study concludes that organizations that integrate social workers into their systems are better positioned to address employee need holistically, improve workplace relations, and foster overall organizational growth.

This study examined Substance Abuse: Its Effects Amongst the Youth in Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The survey research design was adopted for this study because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Five research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage analysis. The population of the study comprised youths residing in Ekosodin Community, and from this population, a total of 100 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-five-item self-structured questionnaire. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that substance abuse has significant negative effects on the physical health, academic performance, social behavior, and psychological well-being of youths in Ekosodin Community. The study revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, family instability, and easy access to drugs are major factors contributing to substance abuse among youths. Furthermore, the findings indicated that substance abuse leads to increased crime rates, school dropouts, health complications, and social disintegration within the community. The implications of the study highlight the need for urgent intervention through public awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, and stronger law enforcement against drug trafficking and abuse. It was also emphasized that schools, parents, and community leaders have a crucial role to play in sensitizing and monitoring the youth. The study recommends that government and non- governmental organizations should intensify efforts in establishing rehabilitation centres, promoting skill acquisition programmes, and creating job opportunities for youths. Additionally, there should be continuous community-based education on the dangers of substance abuse, strict enforcement of drug control laws, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to curb the menace and promote the overall well-being of the youths in Ekosodin Community

This study investigates the influence of Hostel Living Conditions on the Academic Performance of Students in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objectives include examining the impact of poor hostel living on academic
performance. The population of the study comprises 77,000 undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, a descriptive research design was employed to collect and analyze data, with a sample size of 396 undergraduate students selected using Taro Yamane’s formula. Single random sampling technique was used to ensure representation from different custodial centers, while convenience sampling was applied to select individual respondents. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies were used to summarize demographic characteristics, while Pearson Chi-square tests were used to test the study’s hypotheses. Based on these findings, the study recommends that university authorities should develop a more efficient hostel allocation system, invest in improving hostel infrastructure, provide psychological support for students living in overcrowded hostels, and encourage further research on the impact of student acommodation on academic and social outcomes