FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study examined the impact of government size on economic growth in Nigeria for the period of 1981-2019. The main objective of this research work is to examine the impact of government size on economic growth in Nigeria. The study used Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) to examine the relationship between government size and economic growth in Nigeria. The study found that the level of total government
expenditure is positively and significantly related to the Real GDP and exchange rate is negatively related to the Real GDP and gross fixed capital form ation is negatively related to the Real GDP and inflation is also negatively related to the Real GDP. The study therefore recommends that conscious efforts should be taken by the government to increase budgetary allocation to productive sectors of the economy for public spending which a key factor that contributes greatly to economic growth and development. It is essential for financing infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water. Also, excessive increase in governmentexpenditure has to be checked. Government needs to make sure that increment in government expenditure does not hurt the economy, particularly the welfare of people within the country

This study investigated “Fertility Behaviour in Egor Local Government Area of Benin city, Edo State”. The main purpose of this study is to describe and create an understanding of the fertility behaviour which is predetermines the fertility patterns, and is in turn determined by fertility expectations of “fertility actors” in Egor Local Government Area. Fertility behaviour is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon influenced by a range of individual, social, and cultural factors. In developed countries, fertility rates have been declining for decades and are now below replacement levels in many cases. This review examines the determinants of fertility behaviour in developed countries, including economic, demographic, and attitudinal factors. The role of women's education and employment, family policies, and individual attitudes towards childbearing are particularly highlighted. Overall, this review highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to understanding fertility behaviour developing countries such as Nigeria and the importance of considering both structural and individual-level factors in fertility decision-making.

The study examined ethnicity and voting in Nigeria: A case study of the 2023 general
elections in Edo State. The objectives of the study were to examine how ethnicity act as significant determinant of political allegiance in Nigeria; to evaluate whether ethnic Composition of Edo State influence the Political Landscape; to ascertain if ethnic voting patterns in the 2023 General Election in Edo State, to find out factors influencing ethnicity and voting in 2023. The study adopted survey design using questionnaires as instrument of data. The study adopted the percentage and chi-square statistical instrument to analyze the data collected from field survey. The findings revealed that ethnicity act as significant determinant of political allegiance in Nigeria, this implies that key drivers included a sense of ethnic solidarity, the perception of political exclusion, and promises of local development. Many voters expressed the belief that electing a candidate from their ethnic group would result in better access to government services and development projects. The ethnic composition of Edo State influence the political landscape, while ethnic voting can be seen as a reflection of communal solidarity, it also poses a threat to democratic ideals by undermining merit-based selection of leaders. It promotes division, fosters electoral violence, and reduces the likelihood of cross-ethnic cooperation. The ethnic voting patterns in the 2025 General Election in Edo State, that is analysis of voting data revealed a strong correlation between ethnic identity and candidate preference. Voters from specific ethnic groups predominantly supported candidates from their communities, particularly in local government areas with high ethnic homogeneity. The study recommended that strengthen civic education programs to emphasize the importance of competence, integrity, and policy alignment in candidate selection. Voters should be educated on the negative consequences of ethnic voting and the benefits of merit-based leadership. Governance foster inclusive equitable distribution of development projects and public appointments across all ethnic groups. This can reduce the perception that political power benefits only specific communities. Introduce electoral reforms to promote proportional representation, which would encourage candidates to seek support beyond their ethnic constituencies. This could be achieved by adjusting constituency boundaries or introducing multi-member constituencies. Political parties should be mandated to promote diversity in candidate selection and ensure that party tickets are distributed in a manner that reflects ethnic balance. Parties should al so be held accountable for promoting inclusion and tolerance.

The rehabilitation of female inmates in correctional institutions remains a pressing concern in criminal justice systems worldwide, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. This study investigates the impact of correctional services on the rehabilitation and reintegration of female inmates at Oko Prisons in Benin City, with a focus on the role of institutional programs, social workers, and governmental support. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 86 female inmates and correctional staff through structured questionnaires and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that while correctional facilities offer basic rehabilitation programs such as vocational training, religious services, and mental health support systemic issues including overcrowding, underfunding, limited infrastructure, and a lack of qualified personnel severely constrain outcomes. Moreover, social workers, though pivotal in fostering behavioral change and reintegration, remain underrepresented in Nigerian prisons. The study underscores the need for a holistic, gender-sensitive reform of correctional policies to address the socio-economic, psychological, and health-specific needs of incarcerated women. Recommendations are proposed for institutional investment, intersectoral collaboration, and policy restructuring to ensure effective rehabilitation and reduce recidivism among female inmates

The study aimed to examine the impact of coercive COVID-19 vaccination on the mental health of people in Itamaga community, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The specific objectives were to investigate the perceived mental health effects of vaccination, to understand people's reactions towards the COVID-19 vaccine, and to assess the level of stigma on those who were vaccinated. A survey methodology was employed, with data collected from a sample of 150 respondents in the Itamaga community. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, with frequencies and percentages used to interpret the responses. The findings revealed a significant perception among respondents that COVID-19 vaccination affects mental health. Additionally, a high level of vaccine hesitancy and fear was observed, with many respondents expressing fear of taking the vaccine due to concerns about death or sickness. Stigma associated with vaccination was also prevalent in the community. Based on these findings, it is recommended that mental health support be integrated into vaccination programs, targeted education and communication strategies be implemented to address vaccine hesitancy and fear, and efforts be made to address the stigma associated with vaccination.

The world Health Organization (WHO (2008) defined environmental sanitation as the control of all those factors in man’s physical environment, which exercise or may exercise a deleterious effect on his physical development, health and survival. Environmental sanitation is a conventional actions or an essential process of collecting and safely disposing all kinds of waste within the environment with the intention of protecting and promoting the individual health and quality of life of communities. Environmental sanitation generally includes the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of waste, the maintenance of hygienic conditions and the prevention of diseases (WHO,2017). Adequate environmental sanitation practices remains a panaceat of public health intervention that is essential for social and economic development especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Environmental sanitation practice is a frontrunner to the enhancement or development of health, well-being and economic productivity and benefits the individual, household and community should enjoy (WHO)(2004)and Mara, Lane, Scott, and Trouba(2010)

This study investigated the impact of exchange rate fluctuation on economic development in Nigeria. the study adopted the expo facto research design to source aggregate data from Central Bank of Nigeria CBN statistical bulletin from 1984 to 2022. The data was analysed using the Johansen co-integration test, serial correlation tests, Ramsey test, Unit Root Test ADF, and the Error Correction Mechanism ECM. The result showed that exchange rate reset have a positive significant impact on economic development in Nigeria. The result also showed that inflation and institutional quality has significant impact on exchange rate fluctuation in Nigeria, and that there exist bi-casuality between exchange rate fluctuation and economic development in Nigeria. The study recommended that for small-scale enterprises to engage in raw materials processing for export promotion, the government should provide incentives, such as loan subsidies and other forms of support. the government ought to support export-oriented policies in order to a positive exchange rate balance.

Entrepreneurial activities among the youth population is a panacea for unemployment. This paper provides findings on the factors that influence and motivate student entrepreneurship among undergraduate students in University of Benin. Results were gotten on the influence of various factors on engagement in entrepreneurial activities; the gender differences are also presented. The results showed that the social environment including the academic environment serve as a source of influence or motivation for students to be involved in entrepreneurial activities. Engagement in entrepreneurial activity is beneficial to the students in socializing, having financial back up and developing themselves. Findings suggest a relatively low entrepreneurial engagement among students with significant differences across gender.

The provision of social services is a development strategy, while community participation is one of the methods of achieving this objective, thus, the two concepts can be conceived together as community development. The United Nations defined community development “as the process by which the efforts of the people themselves are united with those of governmental authorities to improve the economic, social and cultural condition of communities, to integrate these communities into the life of the nation and to enable them to contribute fully to national progress” (United nations, 1963). This complex process therefore, consists of two essential element

Child maternal mortality is a global concern to many countries of the world as various approaches are being adapted to understand the trends in mortality rates and finding a lasting solution. This study examines community characteristics and child maternal mortality in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. It was carried out using both primary and secondary data. In all 400 questionnaires were administered in the 13 wards of the Local Government Area. Respondents were selected using multi staged random sampling, using the statistical package for social science (SPSS). Logistic regression was used to test the first and second hypothesis of the study. The result showed that certain community characteristics has significant relationship with child mortality and community characteristics has a considerable impact on maternal mortality. The study therefore views that this characteristics can be addressed and improved upon by both the government and individuals residents in this region