FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

The study focused on the characteristics and effects of pluvial flooding on soil quality under oil palm plantation in Ovia North East, Edo State in order to avert soil degradation, loss of nutrents and fertility. Soil samples were collected from two sites within the same area which was then labeled as experiment A (Flooded Soils) and experiment B (Non flooded soils/control) and at depths of 0 – 15 , 15 – 30 and 30 – 45 cm respectively. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analyzed using factorial arrangement in randomized complete block (RCB) design. The result showed that sand and clay particle distribution had the highest value in the non-flooded soils than the flooded soils, silt was higher in the flooded soil. It was only Bulk density (BD) that indicated significant difference (P>0.05).water holding capacity (WHC) and Hydraulic conductivity (K-Sat) value was higher in the flooded soils, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Porosity value was higher in the non-flooded soils, there was significant difference (P>0.05. The pH and Organic carbon (O.C) value of the flooded soils was higher than the non-flooded soils. Total Nitrogen (T.N) was higher in the non-flooded soils; Its LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Available phosphorus, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were higher in the flooded soil except Potassium; LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. The LSD of exchangeable acidity (E.A), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) and base percentage was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in the flooded soil, but significant difference (P>0.05) except Zn which is not significant at 0.05 level of probability. It was only Cu was high in the non-flooded soil and LSD indicates no significant difference at P>0.05. From the mean values gotten for SEF and SFI, it was discovered that flooded and non-flooded soil are both fertile and are of good quality. It can be concluded that moderate flooding actually helps to improve the quality of the soil.

Spatial distribution of health infrastructure in Edo State using Oredo Local Government area as a case is examined. The location of healthcare facilities in the twelve wards of the local government areas is presented against the background of the pattern of population distribution. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary source. Methods of data analysis are simple ratio, percentages and averages. The Geographic Information Systems analysis was used in spatially depicting data, while coefficient of localization analysis was run with SPSS to determine the level of uniformity in distribution of health facilities with respect to population distribution. Findings show that distribution of he alth care facilities, are not exactly uniform with respect to population distribution among the wards in Oredo Local Government Area. Perception analysis on accessibility, reveal that accessibility to health facilities is average, due to the reasons of poorly maintained accessible roads and financial affordability. The study concluded by recommending a policy of deliberate dispersal of health care services to areas of insufficiency as well locating intending new and affordable health facilities in ideal and accessible locations. It is also suggested that the Government should make provision for better transport systems, improved staffing and equipment in health care centres.

The study sets to examine the correlation of divorce on the health and lifestyle of children in Ogbe Community. It also investigated ways in which children are affected psychologically and emotionally leading to the breakdown of their physical health and social challenge. Four research questions were raised. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Existing literature on divorce and health and lifestyle of children are often hinged on the holistic approach of parents, without considering the effects on the well-being of children. Three(3) secondary schools in Ogbe Community were selected based on access to road and the population available in the area. The sample size of this study consisted 150 secondary school students selected through stratified proportionate sampling technique. The research instrument that was used to elicit opinions and facts from the secondary school students was structured questionnaire. It was however subjected to face validity by the researcher’s supervisor. Findings from the study indicate that children of divorced parents are more likely to experience negative health and lifestyle outcomes, including psychological distress, emotional instability, and social difficulties.

Youth participation in politics has become an important issue in democratic governance, especially in developing societies like Edo State. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with youth participation in the politics of Edo State. The study was motivated by the increasing role of young people in political activities such as voting, campaigning, political advocacy, and civic engagement, alongside the persistent barriers limiting their full involvement in governance and decision-making processes. The objectives of the study were to identify the level of youth participation in politics in Edo State, examine the factors affecting their participation, and explore the opportunities available for greater political inclusion of youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Findings revealed that although youths in Edo State actively participate in electoral campaigns, social media mobilization, and political rallies, their involvement in leadership and policy-making positions remains limited. Major challenges identified include unemployment, poverty, political violence, godfatherism, lack of political education, inadequate funding, and distrust in political institutions. Despite these obstacles, the study also found significant opportunities for youth political participation through digital media platforms, civic education programs, the “Not Too Young to Run” policy, youth empowerment initiatives, and increasing political awareness among young people. ([CDD Fact Check][1])
The study concluded that youths possess the energy, creativity, and population strength needed to contribute meaningfully to democratic development in Edo State if given equal opportunities and support. It therefore recommended that government, political parties, and civil society organizations should create enabling environments that encourage youth inclusion in governance, strengthen political education, reduce electoral violence, and provide economic empowerment programs for young people. This will enhance democratic participation, political stability, and sustainable development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

Employee work attitude remains a critical determinant of organizational effectiveness within local government administrations in Nigeria. This study examines the factors influencing work attitude among employees in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Drawing on established public administration and organizational psychology literature, the research investigates how leadership style, job satisfaction, workplace environment, remuneration, organizational culture, and perceived fairness shape employee attitudes toward work. The study employed a mixed-method design, integrating quantitative survey responses from 120 staff members with qualitative interviews to enrich and deepen the contextual understanding of the findings. Findings indicate that supportive leadership, equitable compensation, and a conducive work environment significantly predict positive work attitudes, while bureaucratic constraints and inadequate career progression opportunities contribute to negative dispositions. The study concludes that targeted reforms addressing motivation, employee welfare, and administrative transparency are essential to improving work attitudes within local government structures. Recommendations for strengthening employee engagement and enhancing public service delivery are discussed

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 examined social work interventions in managing mental health among
students in public secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Guided by a descriptive survey research design, the study sought to
systematically describe the characteristics and patterns of mental health challenges
experienced by students as well as the effectiveness of social work interventions in
addressing them. The descriptive design enabled the researcher to collect relevant
information from a representative sample, providing an accurate reflection of the target population without attempting to establish causality. Egor LGA, an urban and semi- urban district within Benin City, served as the geographical focus due to its cultural
diversity, population density, and the presence of several notable educational and social institutions that influence youth development. The population of the study comprised students enrolled in public secondary schools in the area. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 400 students was selected from an estimated population of 574,406 persons. The study adopted a semi-structured questionnaire divided into two sections: demographic information and items directly aligned with the research questions. A four- point Likert scale facilitated the collection of quantifiable data regarding students’ perceptions of mental health challenges and the role of social work interventions. To ensure the accuracy and credibility of the instrument, expert validation was conducted, while reliability was established through the test-retest method. Data collection was
carried out personally by the researcher to ensure clarity and confidentiality. Ethical considerations such as informed consent and voluntary participation were strictly observed. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools including tables, percentages, and graphical representations. Findings from the study provided meaningful insights into the current state of social work responses to mental health concerns within public schools in Egor LGA, contributing valuable knowledge to stakeholders seeking to strengthen mental health support systems in educational settings.

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics of an emerging urban centre. (A case study of Okada town). The objectives of the study were to examine the socio-demographic characteristics within the neighborhood in the study area, the relationship between the two zones of the town, the relationship between the socio-demographic variables in the two zones of the town such as age, sex, marital status, monthly income, and occupation etc of the individuals in the neighborhoods. Questions were administered to a total of 150 respondents and out of this 138 were returned valid and the data collected was fed into the SPSS. Using the frequency table, bar charts, chi-square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was found that socio-demographic characteristics is not evenly distributed in the study area and the analysis shows that there is slight variations between the neighborhoods. It also was found out that there is no significant socio-economic groupings in the town. the study was able to determine if there is a functional differentiation amongst the residents of the town, the study was able to identify if Okada town has the required urban foundation requirements necessary for urban growth to take place.it was also able to discover the dominant occupation in the town and above all the study was able to show the dominant function of Okada town.. The study recommends that government should help put in place a very comprehensive and qualitative population census data of the town since the census information available reflects the 2006 population of the local government only and does not reflect the actual population of the town.

The Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy was introduced by the Nigerian government to promote transparency, accountability, and efficient financial management in public institutions, including universities. This study examines the impact of TSA on the management of finances in the University of Benin, Benin City. It explores the effects of TSA on revenue generation, budgetary implementation, expenditure control, and overall financial efficiency within the university system. Using qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study collects data from university staff, financial administrators, and relevant stakeholders. Findings indicate that while TSA has improved financial discipline, reduced leakages, and enhanced accountability, it has also posed challenges such as delays in fund disbursement and reduced financial autonomy. The study concludes that effective implementation of TSA requires strategic measures to address operational bottlenecks while ensuring sustainable financial management in higher education institutions. Recommendations include enhanced technological integration, capacity building, and policy a justments to optimize TSA’s benefits in the university system.

This study examined the effect of ageing on the mental health of women in Ikpoba-Okha: Implications for Social Work. The study sought to explore the psychological, emotional, and social challenges faced by ageing women, as well as the coping strategies adopted to maintain mental well-being. It also investigated the role of social workers in mitigating mental health problems associated with ageing. A quantitative research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to elderly women aged 60 years and above in selected communities within Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. A total of 220 respondents were sampled using simple random sampling techniques. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages.
Findings revealed that most ageing women in Ikpoba-Okha experience varying degrees of depression, loneliness, and anxiety, largely due to declining physical health, economic hardship, neglect by family members, and reduced social participation. The study also showed that effective social support systems, counselling, and community-based interventions play crucial roles in promoting mental health among the elderly. The study concluded that ageing significantly affects women’s mental health and called for proactive social work interventions aimed at promoting emotional stability and social inclusion. It recommended increased government support, family involvement, and community awareness programs to mitigate the psychological impact of ageing among women.