DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY

This study investigates the effects of childhood experiences and trauma on the interpersonal relationships of students at the University of Benin, Benin City. The research was guided by four key objectives: to examine the causes of childhood trauma, investigate its effects on interpersonal relationships, identify the most prevalent forms of trauma, and determine supportive measures for affected students. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a sample of 150 students across three halls of residence using a semi- structured questionnaire. The findings reveal a high prevalence of childhood trauma, with key contributing factors being parental neglect (26.67%) and emotional abuse (18%). A significant proportion of respondents (46.67%) reported that these experiences adversely affect their ability to interact with others, with 43.33% finding it difficult to trust people. The study concludes that childhood trauma is a critical determinant of relational dysfunction among students, leading to challenges in trust formation and emotional regulation. It recommends the establishment of a trauma-informed counselling unit within the university, targeted psychoeducation for parents, and the strengthening of child protection laws by policymakers to mitigate these effects and promote healthier interpersonal relationships
among the student population.

Traditional medicine has played a key role in world health in spite of great
advances observed in orthodox medicine in recent decades, traditional medicine still makes an important contribution to health care delivery system. These societies thus developed indigenous medical systems through
interactions with their environment to ensure the health needs of the people
were met. The World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the
developing countries depend on traditional medicine to meet their healthcare needs. Due to the increased use of herbal medicine, there is an urgent need for the appropriate systems of quality control in the practice as well as in the production and use of the medicines. The main objective of this study is to find out the perception and utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city in Edo-State. The specific objectives of this study were: to ascertain the factors influencing the utilization of traditional medicine as perceived by Benin city residents; Ascertain how Benin city residents perceived the efficiency and effectiveness of traditional medicine in Benin city; to find out the challenges hindering the utilization of traditional medicine; and to measure the extent of utilization of traditional medicine among residents of Benin city. With the one-time cross-sectional study designed subsumed in survey research design both quantitative and qualitative data were collected from 400 respondents 5 interviewees respectively; they were analyzed using frequency and percentages tables, chat and the Spearman’s rho correlation statistical tools. A significant proportion of the population still patronizes traditional medicine due to its ability to explain the hidden cause of illness and consequently cure the illness. There is a significant relationship (p-value =0.00 <0.05) between affordability, cheapness and traditional medicine has stood the test of time and lower level of education, income status and certain age group of traditional medicine. The Functionalist theory and the Health Belief Model were used as a theoretical guide to examine the people’s perceptions towards the utilization of traditional medicine, the study further recommend that Effective and safe use of traditional medicine should be promoted in order to recognize traditional practitioners, as well as to train them to produce refined herbal medicines. Hence Traditional Medicine Practitioners should be properly trained to keep them updated with contemporary trends in the world of health and epidemiology

This study explores how youths in the Ekosodin community and students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) feel about "indecent dressing." It looks at the factors that influence students' clothing choices, especially styles considered indecent. The research also examines how students believe society reacts to their dressing and how it impacts their social interactions, academics, and personal identity. To gather information, surveys were conducted with UNIBEN students and Ekosodin residents, and the responses were analyzed to identify trends. The study found that social media, fashion trends, and peer pressure play a big role in shaping how students dress. A student's choice of clothing also affects their social interactions and their sense of belonging in the community. Additionally, students who dress "indecently" are more likely to face bullying or harassment. However, fashion is also a way for students to express themselves, and their dressing style can influence how they see themselves. Overall, the study revealed that students’ opinions on "indecent dressing" are strongly influenced by their peers and the broader community. This shows that dressing is not just a personal choice but also a social issue. The research concludes that there should be a balance between personal fashion freedom and respecting cultural norms. It highlights how students must navigate self-expression, societal expectations, and peer influence when making clothing choices.

Teenage pregnancy refers to pregnancy occurring in girls under the age of 18. According to Sambo (2019), it is often unwanted, unplanned, and occurs outside of marriage. One contributing factor is early physical maturity, which varies among individuals and is often accompanied by the onset of menstruation. Ede (2016) noted that a physically mature adolescent girl may become aware of her attractiveness to the opposite sex. This awareness, combined with a lack of proper social training and self-discipline, may lead her to view sexual activity as a means of social, emotional, or financial gratification, ultimately resulting in pregnancy. Ede further emphasized that teenage pregnancy is a pressing issue due to the overwhelming challenges that young people face regarding sexual matters. Additionally, teenage pregnancy may result from sexual abuse, a prevalent issue in society today. Nwoke (2018) highlighted that children who experience abuse at an early age may struggle with emotional trauma throughout their lives. Beyond its impact on sexual health, abuse can also hinder personal development and autonomy. Various factors contribute to the prevalence of teenage pregnancy worldwide, differing across time and regions.

his study was carried out to examine teenage pregnancy and youth development in Oredo local government area, Edo State, Nigeria. It drew sample from the 533,300 population of Oredo local government area.. It made use of four objectives. A 100% response rate was obtained from the questionnaires that was administered. The survey method of data collection was applied in the study because it is only the method best suited for the collection of data from a sample of a chosen population of any study, which was applicable in the study. The findings from this study shows most of the respondents know what teenage pregnancy is, this is because they are victims of teenage pregnancy or know someone who is. The main cause of teenage pregnancy is lack of proper sex education to teenagers. This study shows that family background has a role to play in teenagers falling victims of teenage pregnancy however, it does not relegate the fact that victims of teenage pregnancy live unfulfilled lives. The study recommends that the government should encourage NGOs that advocate for women and children so that they will constantly sensitize the public on the right sex education. It also recommends that counselling centers and rehabilitation facilities should be made available for victims of teenage pregnancy.

Teenage pregnancy remains a critical social issue that significantly affects the educational development of the girl child, particularly in urban areas such as Benin City, Nigeria. This study examines the causes, prevalence, and consequences of teenage pregnancy and its impact on girls’ access to and participation in education. The research identifies key contributing factors such as inadequate sex education, poverty, peer pressure, and poor parental guidance. The study further highlights the major educational challenges faced by pregnant teenagers, including school dropout, poor academic performance, interrupted learning, and social stigma. These challenges often result in limited opportunities for higher education and future employment, thereby perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality. Using a descriptive research approach, data were gathered from secondary sources including journals, reports, and relevant literature. The findings reveal that teenage pregnancy has a significantly negative effect on the educational attainment of the girl child in Benin City

The research work was carried out to examine the socio-psychological effects of divorce on the upbringing of of spring of marriage relationships in Benin metropolis, South-South, Nigeria. The researcher looked at the effect of divorce and how it affects of springs of marriages, morally, socially, academically, mentally, etc. This study also identifies and focus on the socio-psychological differentiation of children who come from families of divorced parents and children who do not. It will also provide a base for the protection and promotion of the rights of children of divorcees, It will be useful to child rights and child protection advocates, It will increase people’s knowledge of the risks to which such children are exposed. The Study also took a critical look at the roles of the Social welfare institution in preventing cases of
marital divorces. In this study, the simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. A total of 100 students of the University Demonstration Senior Secondary School was selected as the sample size, classes ranging from SS1-SS3. And the sample of findings were sought from 96 respondents. The table and simple percentage method were used to analyze the questions. The research findings shows that, divorce can negatively affect the child’s development academically and socially. And children whose family is going through divorce may have a harder time relating to others, and tend to have less social contacts, that is, certain children might have negative mind set towards intimacy, relationship, attachment or marriage, because of their experience growing up in a broken home.
their experience growing up in a broken home

This study examines the issue of youth empowerment and crime control in the Ugbowo axis. Crime has been a serious factor hindering youth growth and development. Despite efforts to create empowerment programmes aimed at reducing the crime rate, several challenges still persist. These include insufficient financial resources and infrastructure, cultural and socioeconomic barriers to initiative success, the inability to sustain programmes, and other related factors affecting youths in the Ugbowo axis. The research aims to examine the relationship between youth empowerment and crime control in the Ugbowo axis. The study employed a survey method, using qualitative data collection and analysis techniques. Questionnaires were administered to youths in the Ugbowo axis, particularly in the Ekosodin area. The findings reveal that there is a significant relationship between youth empowerment and crime control, as the lack of youth empowerment initiatives can lead to a rapid increase in crime rates. The study recommends urgent attention to address these challenges. Some of which include providing financial support for youths, building infrastructure to aid training and skill acquisition, offering training to youth workers, volunteers, and youths themselves, and encouraging proper home upbringing. The study’s findings and recommendations
provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to improve the community and promote better livelihoods for youths and the general public

This study assesses the public perception of selected Christian Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Human Development Activities in Lagos State. Its main objective is to examine the public perception of the socioeconomic empowerment contributions of Christian FBOs towards community members in Lagos state. A cross-sectional (one-time) survey was adopted, where adult male and female members of ten (10) targeted Pentecostal ‘Prosperity Gospel Preaching’ Churches in Lagos state selected purposively were focused open. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were the instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the respondents including on the spot observatory assessment to verify the respondents’ claims. Accidental sampling and stratified random sampling were used during the distribution of the questionnaire, where the targeted Churches were further stratified into branches for easy accessibility, the branches purposively selected, and the questionnaires administered to the worshippers/members as they are available. The study reviewed a few relevant theoretical orientations namely, social exchange theory; human development approach; and open system theory. Chi-square statistical method, percentage analysis, and charts were the methods of data analysis. The major findings include: the public perceive the Church to be satisfactorily committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of the wellbeing of the members and the needy but there is room for improvement; with empirical evidences the Church has contributed in assisting the needy to have access to education, health care facilities, and empowered the needy to gain access to means of income and livelihood; among others. The study therefore recommended thus: that government should seek out ways to partner with the Christian FBOs so as to sustain the complementary roles played by the Church in contributing to the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people; the Christian FBOs should intensify their humanitarian efforts as the population of the poor and the needy are on the increase amidst the worsening socioeconomic situation in Nigeria; some of the Christian FBOs who are not yet committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of the needy should rise to the call and fulfill their corporate social responsibility to the people; the Church should dissociate herself from flamboyant and luxurious lifestyle and focus on its evangelization mission which includes assisting the poor; inter alia.

This study was conduct to ascertain the role the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Benin City Benin Dialogue Group (BDG), Benin Royal Family / Benin Traditional Council and the Edo State Government played in the repatriation of Benin cultural objects and the exploration of the NCMM level of preparedness and capability to secure, preserve and manage the repatriated Benin cultural objects for education, tourism development and sustainability. The qualitative method of data collection was adopted in this study. The qualitative research survey such as in-depth interviews (IDIs) Focus Group Discussion (FGD), Key Informant and photograph was used to gather information from the targeted population or participants in the study area. Data were collected from two sources: the secondary data and primary data. The total population or participant of the study was 158. The entire staff (population) of NCMM ,Benin City which is 145 participated in the study plus 13 key informants of Benin indigenes and some top management staff from the Head- quarters of NCMM, Abuja who had profound knowledge about the repatriation of Benin cultural objects, preservation and management and were ready to talk also participated in the study. Results from the study established that National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Benin City Benin Dialogue Group (BDG), Benin Royal family / Benin Traditional council and the Edo State Government played prominent roles in the repatriation of Benin cultural objects and that NCMM as the only accredited agency of Federal Government of Nigeria, is still playing the role of repatriation of cultural artifacts / objects to Nigeria. The Benin Dialogue Group had a constrain in the repatriation of Benin cultural objects. It also showed that the NCMM, Benin is prepared and capable to secure preserve and manage the repatriated Benin cultural objects for education, tourism development and sustainability. And if the repatriated objects are fully installed and mounted for exhibition it will boost or increase tourism development/ activities in Benin National Museum and generate income for the residents of Benin and the government.