FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

This study examines the anti-corruption efforts and their socio-economic impact during President Muhammadu Buhari's administration in Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. Buhari's tenure was characterized by a robust commitment to combat endemic corruption through legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, and high-profile prosecutions. The administration established new anti-corruption agencies, implemented stricter penalties, and introduced whistleblower protection programs, resulting in a notable increase in convictions and asset recoveries. However, challenges such as resource constraints, bureaucratic hurdles, and occasional political interference persisted, affecting the efficacy and public perception of these initiatives. Despite these challenges, Buhari's administration made significant strides in laying the groundwork for enhanced transparency, accountability, and governance in Nigeria, setting a precedent for future anti-corruption efforts in the country.

This study examined Domestic Violence and Children’s Mental Health in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research was motivated by the growing concern over the rising cases of domestic violence and the increasing vulnerability of children who either directly experience abuse or witness violence within their homes. The study sought to examine the prevalence of domestic violence experienced by children, identify its major causes, assess its psychological and emotional effects on children’s mental health, evaluate the availability and effectiveness of support services, and determine the roles of social workers in addressing the problem. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised residents of selected communities within Oredo Local Government Area, including parents, caregivers, social workers, and children above the age of 12. A total of 100 respondents were selected using purposive and stratified sampling techniques. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages with the aid of SPSS.
Findings revealed that domestic violence is highly prevalent in the study area, with many children experiencing physical and emotional abuse or witnessing violence between caregivers. Major causes identified include poverty, substance abuse, family conflict, poor communication, and cultural norms that tolerate violence. The study further found that exposure to domestic violence significantly affects children’s mental health, leading to anxiety, fear, aggression, low self-esteem, depression, and poor academic performance. Although some mental health and support services exist, they are limited in accessibility and effectiveness. Social workers were found to play important roles in prevention, counseling, advocacy, and rehabilitation, though constrained by inadequate resources. The study concluded that domestic violence poses serious psychological and developmental risks to children in Oredo Local Government Area. It recommended increased public awareness, strengthening of child-focused mental health services, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced collaboration among stakeholders to protect children and promote their mental wellbeing.

The study examined the challenges and prospects of rural industrialization in Edo State with focus on Orhionmwon Local Government Area. In order to realize its stated objectives, the study formulated and answered the following research questions: What is the level of industrialisation in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State? What are the major challenges militating against rural industrialization in Edo State? To what extent has the state government gone in formulating and implementing rural industrialization policies in Edo State? And what can be done to actualize rural industrialization in Edo State? The study employed the survey research method and adopted the use of questionnaire as its main primary instrument of data collection. A sample of one hundred and eighty-five (185) respondents participated fully in the study. The findings in the research are as follows: The level of industrialization in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State is still very low due to the issues of lack of factories for processing farm produce in the area; lack of modern farming equipment in the area; lack of regular electricity supply and inadequate/inaccessible roads. The major challenges militating against rural industrialization in Edo State, particularly in Orhionmwon Local Government Area
are: the presence of government is not being felt in communities across the Local Government Area due to the lack of basic and infrastructural facilities; and the non-provision of soft loans and other credit facilities for self-entrepreneurial activities in the area. The State Government in its efforts at formulating and implementing rural industrialization policies in the state have not put in place, the necessary machineries. To begin with, the officials of Orhionmwon Local Government Council do not reside within the area and do not really feel the impact of the environment; the government has not made efforts at boosting agricultural production in Orhionmwon through supply of modern farming equipment, improved seedlings and fertilizers to indigenes; and basic infrastructures are not available in the Local Government Area. And, the required steps at industrializing rural areas in Edo State include: the need to improve living condition in local government area by providing the needed infrastructures; the need to locate factories for producing and processing farm produce in the area; and the provision of financial and credit facilities by the government, since capital is a major determinant in business or ntrepreneurial development. Based on the findings, the following policy recommendations were made: Government needs to de-emphasize total focus on the oil sector and to enhance agricultural development through addressing the needs of rural farmers with functional incentives. The political representatives and leaders need to identify with the development needs of the rural areas of their constituencies. Indeed, they need to articulate such needs and ensure that they become integral parts of the government’s development agenda and that policies or programs initiated to address them are monitored to ensure proper implementation. There is equally the need not only to adequately make budgetary allocation for rural development but, very importantly, in ensuring that such allocated funds are judiciously used to execute rural development projects and programs. There is also the need for monitoring and integrating of the various national, state and local government policies and programmes on rural development and the co-ordination of the activities of all the rural development institutions. And the local
governments in Nigeria need to eschew corruption particularly at the leadership level and emphasize accountability, due process, prudence and diligence.

In a dynamic and highly competitive business environment of the 21 st century, Organizations have continuously made ef orts to search and adopt strategies, techniquesand tools to increase productivity while reducing cost, and boost ef iciencyandef ectiveness. This informs the reason behind organizations increased adoption of ICTinrecent times. Federal Government Colleges is one of many government establishmentstokey into the adoption of technology as a driver of productivity, and by so doing, serves asarole model for several other private establishments. This has created a need to evaluatetheef ect of ICT, on organizational performance and productivity, using Federal Government Girls College Edo State as a case study. To do this, the researcher adopted the surveymethod of research, using members of staf and students as its population of study, 250respondents from the Federal Girls College of Edo State, were selected based on thenon-probability sampling technique. Their opinion was gathered with the use of awell-structured questionnaire and analyzed using the simple percentage technique of dataanalysis. This research therefore concluded that FGGC, Benin City, is e-compliant, haswitnessed several positive changes through its adoption of ICT. However, the studyalsorevealed that computer illiteracy on the part of students and the public was also revealedtobe another factor hampering the ef ective adoption of ICT amongst others. Basedontheabove, it was a recommended that government, while investing in ICT, should make ef ortsto educate the populace on the need for ICT acceptance, and create an enablingenvironment for educating the public on the use of ICT. Government should alsomakeef orts to increase collaboration and partnership with the private sector to ensure widerreach, local penetration and general acceptance of ICT in the country.

The study investigated impact of civil service reforms on public sector efficiency in Nigeria: A case study of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021–2025. To achieve the purpose of the study, four (4) research questions were raised and answered. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents. The data collected was analyzed using frequency count and simple percentage. The study revealed that the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021–2025 had a notable impact on capacity development and workforce performance through structured training, re-skilling programmes, and competency-based assessments. It was concluded that the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP) 2021–2025 represents a commendable step toward building a dynamic, transparent, and accountable civil service capable of delivering quality services to Nigerians. The study recommended among others that the Federal Government should prioritize building strong institutional frameworks to support the effective implementation of the FCSSIP 2021–2025. This includes enhancing internal monitoring and evaluation systems, enforcing accountability measures, and ensuring that each ministry, department, and agency (MDA) adheres strictly to performance targets and reporting standards.

This study explores the Local Government Administration and Socio-Economic Development in Nigeria: A case study of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State Four well-structured research questions were formulated and the questions were administered to the respondent to collect response from them, the populations of this study were some selected inhabitants in the thirteen wards of the Local Government Area. The researcher selected one hundred (100) persons out of the thirteen wards that make up the Local Government area. The data collected for this study were analyzed using the simple percentage statistical method to analyze the data. Results shows that Local government administration has being the third tier of the government which has limited
bound within which it operates. Thus, it was the recommended that the high level of rural-urban migration should be controlled or checked. These could be done by providing those amenities (social or economic) that attracts people to urban areas. Such as, electricity, water supply, good road, improved agricultural tools and also rural dwellers should support the local government by helping to carry out development project and paying their tax.

This study examined E-Government and Administrative Efficiency in Nigeria: A Case Study of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Benin City Zone. The survey research design was adopted because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Four research questions were formulated and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The population of the study consisted of all staff of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Benin City Zone, from which a total of 100 respondents were selected using a proportional random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-item structured questionnaire designed to obtain responses on the effect of e-government on administrative efficiency, infrastructural and technical challenges, staff competence, and monitoring mechanisms. The study was anchored on the Technological Determinism Theory and the Innovation Diffusion Theory. The Technological Determinism Theory posits that technological development drives organizational and administrative change, influencing how public institutions operate and adapt to modernization. This theory underscores how e- government platforms reshape administrative efficiency, information management, and service delivery. The Innovation Diffusion Theory, on the other hand, explains how new technologies are adopted and integrated into public institutions over time, depending on perceived usefulness, ease of use, and organizational readiness. Together, these theories provide a framework for understanding how e-government adoption transforms
administrative processes and governance outcomes within the public sector. Based on the findings, the study concluded that e-government has significantly enhanced administrative efficiency in NIMC by improving information accessibility, reducing delays, and promoting transparency in service delivery. However, challenges such as poor internet connectivity, inadequate ICT infrastructure, limited technical competence, and frequent power interruptions hinder optimal performance. Despite these constraints, respondents agreed that e-government remains a key driver of modernization, accountability, and improved administrative outcomes in the Nigerian public sector. The study recommends that government and institutional management should invest in robust
ICT infrastructure, provide continuous training for staff, and ensure stable power supply to enhance e-government operations. Furthermore, policies promoting digital transformation, data protection, and system maintenance should be strengthened to sustain the benefits of e-government across Nigeria.

The demand for healthcare services continue to increase as population increases, hence there is a high rate of demand for healthcare services globally. Nigeria is not immune to the high demand for healthcare services, which poses a significant challenge to tackle and it has resulted into having healthcare workers working overtime, longer and irregular hours in a bid to render satisfactory services to the citizens. This study investigated the relationship between flexible work initiatives and healthcare service delivery in five major public hospitals in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Anchored on a cross-sectional survey design, Data were gathered from healthcare professionals through structured questionnaire and in-depth interview to provide both quantitative and qualitative insights. Five hundred and forty one (541) healthcare workers were selected through stratified random
sampling from five public hospitals in Benin City. The study employed descriptive and inferential statistics, particularly the repeated measure Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Chi-Square Goodness of fit test, to test five hypotheses and examined key thematic areas. All five null hypotheses were rejected using Chi-square goodness-of-fit and ANOVA tests, confirming that flexible work initiatives significantly influence healthcare service delivery. The study revealed a significant positive relationship between flexible work initiatives and healthcare service delivery. Respondents strongly agreed that Flexible Work Initiatives (FWIs) positively influenced healthcare service quality (p < 0.05). Among the types of FWIs examined, shift work was the most widely practised and highly rated (mean = 3.47), followed by job sharing (mean = 3.00), while compressed work weeks received the lowest rating (mean = 2.53). Key enhancing factors included supportive organisational culture, clear policies, and effective communication, whereas the major challenges were acute staff shortages, high patient demand, and complex medical cases. Statistical value revealed that employee-centred strategies, stakeholder engagement, and teamwork are the most effective ways to overcome implementation barriers. It concluded that properly designed and supported flexible work initiatives—especially shift work—can enhance service quality and staff performance, in
resource-constrained public hospitals. The study recommendation included urgent recruitment of healthcare personnel, and adoption of employee-centred policies.

This study examines the impact of training and development on employee development in a public sector organization. The primary objective was to determine how structured training and continuous development initiatives influence employee performance, job satisfaction, and career growth. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, utilizing both primary and secondary data sources. Questionnaires were distributed among employees across various departments to collect relevant data, while secondary information was gathered from organizational records and literature. The findings revealed that training and development significantly contribute to enhancing employees’ skills, productivity, and overall job efficiency. It also showed that employees who
regularly participate in training programs tend to exhibit improved work attitudes, higher motivation levels, and greater commitment to organizational goals. However, the study also identified challenges such as inadequate funding, poor training needs assessment, and limited follow-up evaluation, which hinder the effectiveness of training programs. The study concludes that investment in training and development is a crucial strategy for achieving sustainable employee growth and institutional efficiency in the public sector. It recommends that public organizations should institutionalize continuous learning programs, ensure proper training needs assessment, and evaluate training outcomes to maximize employee and organizational performance.

This study was designed to ascertain Impact of Primary Exports on Underdevelopment in Nigeria: A Case Study of Crude Oil. Five (4) research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey. The population for this study includes lecturers from the University of Benin. A total number of twenty (20) respondents comprising of lecturers
from the departments of political science and economics, within the University of Benin were drawn from the population of the study using the purposive sampling technique which were used as the respondents for this study. Nineteen (19) out of the twenty distributed questionnaires were found valid and used for analysis. The research instrument for the study was a questionnaire titled: Primary Products Export and Underdevelopment in Nigeria: A Case Study of Crude Oil (PPEUN:ACSCO), which was distributed to the respondents and collected immediately after completion from respondents. The simple percentage and mean score was used in computing the responses of the questionnaire items. To account for the reliability of the study, the Pearson’s
Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used which gave a value of 0.79. At the end of the study, the researcher found amongst others that crude oil export significantly boosts Nigeria's economic growth and development, and over-reliance on crude oil exports does not hinder the diversification of Nigeria's economy and contribute to underdevelopment. It was recommended amongst others that Federal Government of Nigeria should prioritize diversification of its revenue sources beyond crude oil export and also promote sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology can reduce overreliance on oil revenues and create a more resilient economy and Government should encourage the growth of local industries and businesses within the oil sector in order to create jobs and retain more value within the Nigerian economy.