FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

development in Nigeria, with GDP growth rate as a proxy for economic development. Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model and Error Correction Mechanism (ECM), the study assesses both the short-run and long-run effects of key stock market and economic indicators, including market capitalization (MC), all-share index (ASI), inflation rate (INF), monetary policy rate (MPR), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), and foreign direct investment (FDI). The findings reveal that the All Share This study examines the relationship between stock market performance and economic Index (ASI) has a persistent positive and significant impact on GDP growth, indicating that stock market performance plays a crucial role in economic development. Conversely, inflation (INF) and market capitalization (MC) exhibit persistent negative and significant impacts, suggesting that rising stock market values do not necessarily translate into real economic growth. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) and foreign direct investment (FDI) have negative and insignificant effects in the short run, while FDI exhibits a positive but insignificant long-run impact. Additionally, the monetary policy rate (MPR) has a negative and insignificant short-run impact on GDP growth. The study concludes that while stock market performance is important for economic development, inflation control, efficient capital allocation, and strategic investment policies are necessary to sustain long-term growth. Policy recommendations include enhancing financial market efficiency, ensuring productive capital allocation, attracting growth-driven FDI, and implementing balanced monetary policies to support economic stability. Keywords: Stock Market, Economic Development, ARDL, Market Capitalization, Inflation, Foreign Direct Investment, Nigeria.

This study investigated the prevalence, types, and impact of anxiety on academic performance and wellbeing among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria. Anxiety, characterized by excessive worry, fear, physiological arousal, and cognitive interference, has become a pervasive mental health challenge among university students globally and in Nigeria, exacerbated by academic pressures, economic hardships, infrastructural deficits, erratic academic calendars, and socio-cultural factors. The study was guided by four specific objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its relationship with academic performance; (2) to identify the prevalent types of anxiety; (3) to examine the relationship between anxiety and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA); and (4) to explore the effects of anxiety on students’ overall wellbeing. It adopted an ethnographic research design with survey elements, underpinned by Power-Control Theory and Cognitive Interference Theory. A sample of 120 full-time undergraduate students was selected through multi-stage sampling techniques (random selection of faculties and departments, followed by stratified sampling by level of study and gender). Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered face-to-face and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and tables) using SPSS. The findings revealed a high and escalating prevalence of anxiety among undergraduates, with levels significantly higher than at entry into the university. Test/examination anxiety was the most dominant type, followed by general worry, career/future anxiety, and financial worries. Anxiety was perceived to substantially impair concentration, study habits, class attendance, and CGPA, although moderate anxiety was noted by some as potentially facilitative. On wellbeing, anxiety was associated with poor sleep, physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, social withdrawal, and strained relationships. Students predominantly relied on informal coping strategies such as prayer and peer support, with low awareness and utilization of formal university mental health services. The study concludes that anxiety constitutes a significant barrier to academic success and holistic student development at the University of Benin. It recommends the strengthening of institutional counselling services, integration of mental health education into academic programs, policy reforms to reduce academic stress, and broader governmental support for student mental health. These interventions are essential for improving academic performance, retention, and the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria. Keywords: Anxiety, academic performance, CGPA, undergraduate students, University of Benin, mental health, wellbeing, test anxiety.

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This study investigated social work intervention strategies addressing intimate partner abuse (IPA) in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the prevalence and forms of IPA, identify socio-cultural factors influencing its occurrence, evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions, and examine challenges faced by social workers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to adult residents, including survivors and social work professionals. Of 400 distributed questionnaires, 386 were completed and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and controlling behaviours were the most common forms of IPA in the area. Socio-cultural factors such as patriarchal norms, poverty, unemployment, misinterpretation of religious teachings, weak institutional responses, and family pressures significantly contributed to the persistence of abuse. Social work interventions—including counselling, public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment initiatives, legal advocacy, and collaboration with community leaders were found to be moderately effective. However, limited resources, stigma, fear of victim-blaming, and inadequate inter-agency collaboration constrained their full impact. The study concluded that while existing interventions have mitigated IPA to some extent, more integrated, well-resourced, and culturally sensitive strategies are required. Recommendations included strengthening institutional support, enhancing community sensitisation, promoting gender equity, and providing continuous professional development for social workers. The study contributes empirical evidence for policy formulation and practical guidance for social work interventions targeting intimate partner abuse in urban Nigerian contexts.

The study focused on Social Work Intervention and Rehabilitation of Victims of Drug Abuse in Ekosodin Community, Benin City. A literature review was conducted to determine the breadth of factors that contribute to drugs abuse and correlated risk-taking behaviours, and to identify relevant evidence-based treatments. The research design adopted for this study was survey research design using stratified random sampling technique. The instrument used was questionnaire. Simple percentage statistical method was used to analysis data gathered during this study. The survey research design was used for study to elicit fact. The total number of one hundred (100) questionnaire were administered to the respondents. Following the findings from this research, it was revealed that Drug abuse in adolescence constitutes one of the most deadly menaces faced by Nigerians today. It has been identified as a social vice that must be eradicated. The study revealed that Family background play a major and foremost role in contributing to adolescent substance use, both positively and negatively. The study also revealed that the community have a significant influence on substance use among adolescent. It is recommended that communities should attract and encourage teenagers to participate.

This study examined social work intervention strategies for victims of intimate
partner violence (IPV) in Iguadolor community, Ovia-North East Local Government Area of Edo State. Intimate partner violence remains a serious social problem in Nigeria, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities where cultural norms, economic dependence, and limited access to support services often prevent victims from seeking help. The study was motivated by the need to understand the types of intervention strategies available, how they are implemented, their impact on victims, and the challenges faced by social workers in addressing IPV within the community. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 respondents in Iguadolor community. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: Section A captured the demographic characteristics of respondents, while Section B addressed issues related to social work intervention strategies, including their types, nature, impact, challenges, and possible solutions. The findings further revealed that social work intervention strategies have had a positive impact on victims of intimate partner violence. Many respondents agreed that interventions have helped victims regain confidence, improve access to support services, and reduce repeated cases of abuse. Despite these positive outcomes, a significant number of victims remain reluctant to leave abusive relationships due to cultural beliefs, fear of stigma, emotional attachment, and economic dependence. The study identified several challenges affecting the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies in Iguadolor community. The study further established that social work intervention strategies have had a positive impact on victims of intimate partner violence in Iguadolor community. Many victims have benefited from counselling, increased access to support services, and reduced recurrence of abuse. These outcomes show that social work interventions can make a meaningful difference in the lives of victims. Increased Government Funding and Resource Allocation: The government at both state and local levels should increase funding allocated to social welfare departments and agencies responsible for addressing intimate partner violence. Adequate funding is necessary to support counselling services, legal aid, shelter provision, and rehabilitation programmes for victims. Financial resources should also be used to employ more trained social workers and provide necessary logistics such as transportation, office facilities, and communication tools. Improved funding will enable social workers to respond more effectively and promptly to cases of IPV, particularly in rural communities like Iguadolor.

The studies examine medical workers attitude towards patient recovery in Edo specialist hospital. the sample of the study comprises 85 respondents from the specialist hospital. The instrument of data collection was a questionnaire. Five research questions aided this research. The research questions were answered using frequency table and simple percentage. Chapter One will introduce the Topic and problems and give a brief history of the subject matter, statement of the problem , research objective, research questions, significant of the study and scope of the study, Chapter Two will deal with review of relevant literature and also connect the project to Theoretical framework. Chapter Three deals with the method by which the research will be conducted . Chapter four will focus on the analysis and presentation of the research findings and also discuss them, to conclude the project chapter five will look at summary, limitation, conclusion and then give recommendation on how improvement can be made on the attitude of medical workers towards patient recovery in specialist hospital.

This study empirically analyzes the impacts of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. The broad objective of this study is to empirically analyze the impacts of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. The Ordinary Least Squares method was adopted to analyze the relationship between public debt and manufacturing capacity, private sector loan, Gross Domestic Product, consumption expenditure and interest rate. Secondary data which spans from 1981 to 2024, sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin for real sector, public sector and World Development Index, was extracted and utilized for empirical analysis. Some forms of pre-estimation tests were carried out in order to obtain satisfactory results. Such tests are the unit root test: test for stationarity, the co-integration test which tests for long run equilibrium relation between the variables of interest of this study. This study seeks to discover the effect of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. Therefore, in conclusion public debt positively impacts on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria and it is significant, private sector loan has a significant positive impact on manufacturing capacity, Gross Domestic Product has a significant positive impact on the manufacturing capacity however both consumption expenditure and interest rate have negative impact on manufacturing capacity. Haven discovered from this study the significant positive impact of public on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria, it is therefore recommended that: The federal government should ensure that enough capital is available for the manufacturing sector given the importance of the manufacturing sector to the Nigerian economy. The monetary authority should ensure that the level of interest rate (cost of capital) does not discourage domestic manufacturing industries that need capital from both the money market and the capital market for investment purpose

This project work looks into how higher education promotes social mobility and reduces inequality by equipping individuals with skills, knowledge, and social capital for economic and social advancement. However, this potential is limited by systemic barriers like financial constraints, geographic disparities, and the digital divide, which disproportionately affect disadvantaged groups. Overcoming these obstacles through equitable access and supportive policies is essential to ensuring higher education functions as a true pathway to upward mobility and a more just society.

Marital stability is a critical component of social cohesion and community development. However, in recent times, marital crises have become increasingly prevalent in many Nigerian communities, including Oregbeni, Benin City. This study investigates the socio- cultural determinants of marital crisis among residents of the Oregbeni community, with the aim of identifying the key cultural, economic, and social factors that contribute to marital instability. The research adopts a descriptive survey design, utilizing questionnaires and interviews to collect data from a representative sample of married individuals and community leaders. indings reveal that factors such as traditional gender roles, economic hardship, family interference, cultural expectations regarding fertility, and changing moral values significantly influence the occurrence and intensity of marital conflicts. The study also highlights how modernization and exposure to Western lifestyles have altered perceptions of marriage and spousal responsibilities, leading to a clash between traditional norms and contemporary values. It concludes that addressing marital crises in Oregbeni requires a holistic approach, incorporating community-based counseling, public enlightenment, and socio-economic empowerment programs. The research recommends greater community sensitization on marital communication, gender equity, and conflict resolution to promote stable and harmonious family life within the community.