DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK

This study examined the role of social workers in the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The research aimed to assess the extent of social workers’ involvement in child protection, evaluate the adequacy of interventions provided to abused and neglected children, explore preventive strategies adopted, and identify challenges hindering effective service delivery. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design and utilized structured questionnaires administered to 100 respondents, including social workers, caregivers, parents, and children. Data were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency distributions. Findings revealed that social workers play critical roles in identifying, rescuing, counseling, and advocating for the rights of abused and neglected children. They also engage in preventive efforts through community sensitization, parental education, and collaboration with schools, NGOs, and law enforcement agencies. However, the study found that long-term rehabilitation and reintegration programs are often inadequate due to insufficient funding, shortage of trained personnel, cultural resistance, and weak institutional support. The study concludes that while social workers contribute significantly to child protection in Egor LGA, their effectiveness is constrained by systemic and cultural challenges. It recommends increased government funding, professional training, inter-agency collaboration, and community-based awareness campaigns to strengthen child welfare systems and enhance the preventive capacity of social workers.

Mental Health” provides a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal role of school social workers in enhancing student mental health. The study was conducted across various educational settings, employing a random sampling technique to select a representative sample from different schools. The primary data collection tool was a questionnaire, supplemented by a thorough review of relevant literature and documents. Significant findings emerged from the study, highlighting the crucial role of school social workers in fostering mental health support for students. It was found that school social workers significantly impact students’ mental, behavioral, and academic outcomes. The study recommended that school social workers should collaborate with school administrators and community agencies to create a supportive school climate. The study emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development for school social workers, suggesting that regular training and support could enhance their ability to effectively support students. The findings also underscored the need for schools to prioritize mental health
and wellbeing, recognizing that students’ academic success is closely linked to their mental health. In conclusion, the research highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to student mental health, emphasizing that school social workers play a key role in connecting students and their families with a range of services and supports. The research also underscored the importance of collaboration between schools and community agencies, suggesting that such partnerships can enhance the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of mental health supports. Keywords: School Social Workers, Student Mental Health, Supportive School Climate, Mental Health Interventions, Professional 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 avoid an ceorpeer support, which may not yield sustainable academic success. The study highlights the limited accessibility and perceived ineffectiveness of current university conflict resolution mechanisms. I tunderscores the critical role of social workers in educational settings, advocating for their integration into university systems to provide counseling, mediation, and psycho-social support. There search concludes with practical recommendations for social work-led interventions aimed at fostering a more supportive and resilient academic environment.

This study examined the impact of child neglect on the academic performance of pupils in primary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. It aimed to identify the common types of neglect, how neglect affects pupils’ learning behaviour and performance, and the role of social workers in addressing the issue. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 400 pupils in two primary schools using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages with the aid of SPSS.Findings revealed that child neglect, caused by factors such as poverty, broken homes, and poor parental supervision, negatively affects pupils’ concentration, attendance, and overall academic achievement.The study also found that while social workers contribute to identifying and assisting neglected pupils, their presence in schools remains inadequate. The study concluded that child neglect has a significant negative impact on pupils’ education and recommended increased parental awareness, employment of more social workers in schools, teacher training on child protection, and stronger government intervention to ensure the well-being of all children

This study examined the impact of sexual content on social media on the psychological and social life of students at the University of Benin. The research adopted a descriptive survey design and utilized a structured questionnaire administered to 100 undergraduate respondents across various faculties. The studysought to determine the extent of students’ exposure to sexual content, the common types encountered, and how such exposure influences their behavior, mental health, and academic performance. Findings revealed that students are highly exposed to sexual content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. The most prevalent forms of content include nude images, sexually suggestive videos, and romantic skits. Exposure to such materials was found to significantly influence students’ attitudes, leading to increased curiosity, anxiety, self-comparison, and changes in social behavior. Moreover, frequent exposure was negatively associated with academic performance due to distraction and reduced study concentration. The study further established that social workers play a vital role in mitigating these effects through counseling, digital literacy programs, and awareness campaigns on responsible media use. It concludes that while social media serves as an important communication and educational tool, unregulated access to sexual content poses serious psychological and academic risks to students. The study recommends that the University should strengthen digital literacy education, enhance counseling services, and engage social workers in promoting safe and healthy media consumption among students.

This study examined the effects of parental substance abuse on children in Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research specifically explored the types of substances commonly abused by parents, the psychological, social, and academic impacts on their children, and the coping mechanisms adopted by these children.Primary data were collected through the administration of eighty (80) structured questionnaires to respondents selected fromhouseholds within the study area.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods,including frequency and percentage distributions. Findings revealed that alcohol (43.8%) and cannabis (31.3%) were the most commonly abused substances among parents in the community, followed by tramadol (12.5%) and codeine syrup (7.5%).The study further showed that children exposed to parental substance abuse experience significant psychological distress manifesting as depression (27.5%), anxiety(22.5%), and low self-esteem (18.8%). Socially, the children exhibited poor social interaction (26.3%), truancy (23.8%), and exposure to domestic violence (21.3%), while academically, they recorded poor grades (37.5%), low concentration (25.0%), and
irregular school attendance (18.8%). Coping mechanisms adopted by these children included seeking support from relatives and teachers (30%), emotional withdrawal (25%), counselling (18.8%), and participation in religious activities (15%). The study concludes that parental substance abuse in Ekosodin significantly undermines children’s emotional stability, social adjustment, and academic achievement, thereby threatening their holistic development. It recommends community-based rehabilitation programs, family counselling, and public sensitization on the dangers of substance abuse

This study was conducted to examine the impact of child abuse and neglect in Etsako East Local Government Area. The objectives of this study were to; examine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the physical health of children in Etsako East Local Government Area, examine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the education of children in Etsako East Local Government Area, examine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the emotional health of children in Etsako East Local Government Area and to examine the impact of child abuse and neglect on the medical well-being of children in Etsako East Local Government Area. The descriptive research design was adopted and used in carrying out the study and the population consisted of all the students in secondary schools in Etsako LGA, with a sample size of 250 respondents. The instrument used for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers in the Department of Social Works. The split half reliability method was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of two hundred and fifty (250) questionnaires were administered to the sample respondents and data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentage. The findings of the study revealed that; child abuse and neglect has a bad impact on the physical health of children in Etsako East Local Government Area. Also, findings from the study further revealed that child abuse and neglect has a negative impact on the education of children in Etsako East Local Government Area. It was also revealed that child abuse and neglect has a bad impact on the emotional health of children in Etsako East Local Government Area. Lastly, findings from this study also revealed that there is no negative impact on the medical well being of children in Etsako East Local Government Area due to child abuse and neglect. Based on the findings of the study on the impact of child abuse and neglect in Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA), it was thus recommended that; community sensitization programs should be organized to educate parents, caregivers, and community members about the forms, signs, and consequences of child abuse and neglect, advocate for the strict enforcement of child protection laws, including the Child Rights Act, to ensure perpetrators of abuse face appropriate penalties, establishment of child-friendly reporting mechanisms that allow victims and concerned individuals to report cases of abuse confidentially and without fear of retribution. Training of social workers, teachers, healthcare providers, and law 12 enforcement officials to identify and respond effectively to cases of child abuse and neglect.

This study examined sexual behavioural patterns and sexually transmitted infections among young adults in Edo South senatorial district of Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the age at first sexual intercourse of the young population ages 10-24 years, ascertain if any association exists between young population age at first sexual intercourse and religious belief, ascertain incidence of contract of sexually transmitted infections by the young adult population, observe the “health seeking’’ behavior of young adult population when infected with these sexually transmitted infections, and ascertain the extent of young adult population knowledge of HIV/AIDS’ transmission. A sample size of 800 was used for this study. The sample size were chosen bearing in mind the time, finance and feasibility of the study. Out of the 800 questionnaires that were sent out for the study, about 783 were fully completed. Information gathered from the questionnaire was coded and recorded on the spreadsheets. From here they were fielded into the computer for statistical analysis using the SPSS computer software. In all percentages and proportions, pie and bar charts were used for data interpretation. The
chi-square test of significance and F-ratio were used to test the hypotheses. Findings from the study reveals that a greater number of youth of ages (10-24) years of both sexes are engaged in schooling activities. The population of the youth increases with age. The youth comprises slightly more males than females. That they are more engaged at school indicates rising age at marriage. Thus there is reduced likelihood of early marriages and associated consequences. The full embrace of education by youth is of benefit to the individuals as well as to the Nation in thence of skilled man power development. The study then recommended that preventive programs should focus on developing positive attitude toward infected persons in a way that they are not discriminated against, reproductive health information, including STDs should be included in university curriculum in order to enhance student knowledge and attitude regarding STDs prevention, free HIV testing should be inculcated into the undergraduate students my management in order to be able to receive HIV testing without financial burden. This action may increase the rate of HIV testing among the student population and in turn reduce rates of transmission. It was also recommended that students’ sources of information should be increased in terms of mass media and health education regarding the spread of STDs on campus, and STDs prevention programme should be developed
and implemented by the university to promote changes in attitude in order to prevent the spread of STDs

This study investigated the impact of women education on sustainable development in Nigeria. To achieve the purpose of the study, five (5) research questions were raised and answered. A sample size of 100 respondents was used for the study. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that women’s education serves as a fundamental driver of sustainable national development. Educated women were found to play crucial roles in boosting economic productivity through entrepreneurship, formal employment, and innovation. It was concluded that women’s education significantly enhances social and political development by promoting health awareness, family well-being, and active participation in governance. The study recommended among others that government should allocate more resources to improve access to quality education for women, particularly in rural and underserved communities. This includes building schools, providing learning materials, and ensuring affordable or free education at all levels.

This study examined the socio-cultural determinants of mental health among youth in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a structured questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed to youths residing in different parts of Benin City, and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques, including frequency distributions and percentages. The findings revealed that mental health challenges among youth in Benin City stem from multiple causes, including poverty, unemployment, family pressure, academic stress, and substance abuse. Furthermore, socio-cultural beliefs, stigma, and traditional perceptions of mental illness were identified as major factors influencing attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking behaviour. The study also found that social support systems remain weak, and limited access to affordable mental health care continues to worsen the problem. Social workers were observed to play a crucial role in the rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration of youth experiencing mental health issues, although their efforts are often constrained by inadequate resources and institutional support. The study concluded that mental health among youth in Benin City is largely shaped by socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors, which collectively determine the perception, experience, and management of mental illness. It therefore recommends that government agencies, community leaders, and social work practitioners intensify mental health education, challenge harmful cultural stereotypes, and expand youth-friendly mental health services. Strengthening social work practice and promoting community-based interventions were also emphasized as vital strategies for improving mental health outcomes among youths in Benin City.