FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study examines the relationship between local government autonomy and socioeconomic development in Nigeria, using Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. The research emphasis the vital role of local governments in promoting grassroots development. Despite this, local governments in Nigeria have often been constrained by excessive interference from higher tiers of government, particularly in financial, administrative, and political matters. Such interference has weakened their capacity to function effectively and to implement developmental programs tailored to local needs. This study adopts a descriptive survey research design to assess the extent to which local government autonomy influences socioeconomic development in Oredo Local Government Area. The findings reveal that granting full financial, administrative, and political autonomy to local governments is crucial for enhancing service delivery and achieving sustainable development. The conclusion drawn by this research is that genuine local government autonomy is important and of necessity for effective grassroots governance and recommends that both federal and state governments should provide the necessary constitutional and institutional support to ensure full autonomy for local governments across Nigeria as this would enhance socio economic development at the grassroots and the country as a whole.

This study investigated the impact of government debt, revenue, and their relationship with economic growth in Nigeria over the period 1990 to 2024. It aimed to examine the effects of government debt on economic growth, the influence of government revenue on growth, the impact of debt on Nigeria’s annual GDP growth rate, and the role of internally generated revenue. Secondary data were collected primarily from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Debt Management Office, National Bureau of Statistics, and World Bank databases. The methodology adopted included an econometric model estimated using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and panel fixed effects to analyze the short-run and long-run effects of government fiscal variables on economic growth. Results revealed that government debt had a positive but statistically insignificant effect on economic growth in the short run, implying that borrowing provided some support to government sustainability but lacked robust growth stimulation. In the long run, debt demonstrated a negative and insignificant relationship with growth, suggesting potential crowding-out effects and fiscal risks that align with some extant Nigerian literature. Government revenue showed a positive and statistically significant association with economic growth, confirming its critical role in funding development projects and stimulating the economy. Internally generated revenue also had a positive yet statistically insignificant impact, indicating sensitivity in tax policy implementation to avoid negatively affecting production and economic activity. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the government implement prudent debt management policies to ensure borrowing supports growth without generating harmful longterm consequences. Tax authorities were advised to improve revenue collection efficiency by adopting fair tax policies that avoid overburdening taxpayers, thus encouraging sustainable economic expansion. Policymakers should focus on enhancing government revenue via effective fiscal measures to provide sufficient funds for infrastructure and development. Additionally, relevant agencies needed to strengthen internally generated revenue systems by promoting transparency and fairness, which would improve economic stability and growth prospects. These steps would help balance the benefits of government fiscal interventions while minimizing risks to Nigeria’s economic future

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. Findings 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.

This research titled "Semiotic analysis of names associated with God in Igbo language" studied how Igbo God- names are more than just labels for the divine. These names also have deep cultural, religious, and social meanings. The goal was to learn what they mean, what forms they take, their purpose in Igbo culture, and how they have changed. The work looked at names that tell about God’s character, what God does, and God's relationship with people. It shows how they link old Traditional customs with today’s Christian ways. Exactly 120 names were gathered from talks with people, church records, naming events, social media, songs, journals, everyday talk and stories passed down using one on one interviews and voice recordings. These names were studied using ideas about signs from Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, and Eco. The study found that Igbo God- names act as signs of belief, records of what happened to people and the community, and ways to pass values down. For instance, Chukwuemeka (God has done great deeds) shows thankfulness and Chidinma (God is good) shows faith in God's character. They also show how old Igbo beliefs still exist in today’s Christianity. The work suggested that more of these names should be written down and kept safe because they matter to the Igbo language, culture, and spirit. The research recommended that more of these names should be documented and preserved because they are an important part of the Igbo language, culture, and spirituality. In summary, the study showed that Igbo names for God are living signs that join together language, faith, and identity in a powerful way.

This project work portrays the theoretical framework applicable and assesses the impact of the several mentioned irregularities, especially if they were of sufficient magnitude or scope to curb money politics and commercialization of votes in Nigeria: analysis of the 2024 governorship election in Edo state. Controversies and uncertainties over allegations of irregularities reflect the problematic role of the State bureaucracy, serious inadequacy and lack of transparency in the election administration process in Nigeria. Therefore, election, voting, violence, and vote buying issues examined in this research work include- the theoretical framework applicable; electoral malpractices as restrictive registration of potential voters; the training of citizens on minimum concepts of civic responsibility; voter intimidation and other sources of suppression or distortion of voter will and recommendation on the mechanisms to increase popular participation, transparency, credibility and integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. It was discovered that the impact of vote buying was difficult to demonstrate with empirical evidence. Our analysis indicates that the incumbent may have benefited marginally from vote buying, but his benefits were nowhere nearly as salient as some observers have perceived. We also find that the stability, legitimacy and effectiveness of the government may be undermined if it fails to develop mechanisms to ensure free, fair and transparent elections.

This study examined the role of women rights lawyer in Nigeria’s national development: A case study of Federation of International Women Lawyer (FIDA). The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as research instrument. The data was analysed using percentage. The result showed that Women right Lawyers are able to protect women from domestic violence and discrimination through legislation in Nigeria. Women right Lawyer can contribute to improvement of government’s ability to effectively strengthen the capacity of women in legal professionals. Women right Lawyer can promote and preserve the rights and well-being of women and children. Women right Lawyer can advocate for gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) of women in Nigeria. The study recommends that women right Lawyers should make their function and operations accessible to local women suffering from domestic violence and discrimination through legislation in Nigeria. Women right Lawyer should collaborate with government to improve the capacity of women in legal professionals. Women right Lawyer should liase with women affair ministry to preserve the rights and well-being of women and children. Women right Lawyer should be encourage to frequently advocate for gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) of women in Nigeria.

This study focuses on the impact of stress on students’ academic performance in the University of Benin. A descriptive survey was adopted for this study. This study was conducted at the University of Benin. The theoretical framework used in this research is the Lazarus stress theory. The population of this study consists of students of the University of Benin. The sample size was limited to students in the department of social work of the University of Benin. The method of data collection that was adopted for this study was a two-time survey method using the face-to-face method. The research instrument used for this study is the questionnaire. This research identifies key source of stress, examines their impact on students’ academic performance and evaluates the coping mechanisms utilized by these students. The results of the study, among other things, show that stress management is significantly dependent on the sources of stress. Stress significantly affects the academic performance of students at the University of Benin. Learning is possible only when stressors are properly dealt with. Stress can be managed if students adopt appropriate coping mechanisms. Based on the results of the study, it is found that students suffer from the stress that comes from various causes such as financial difficulties, academic workload and social relationships. This stress affects the academic performance of students at the University of Benin. The study also made these recommendations: there should be frequent interaction between academic staff and students on how best to plan intensive courses during the semester, school management should ensure that there's proper break in between lecture hours and students are advised to create time out of the busy schedule to rest as it has a great impact on their health.

The main aim of this study was to examine awareness of child adoption does not positively affect the perception and attitude of infertile women. The problem of this study was that infertility has become a global health challenge with devastating psycho-social consequences in many African communities. Nigeria’s rate of infertility is as high as 30%. Child adoption, although usually perceived as the last option for couples with incurable infertility, is associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and ethical issues. These issues have been linked to low acceptance of child adoption among infertile couples. The broad objective of this study was to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in South-western Nigeria. The methodology adopted by this study was the probabilistic and survey research design which was employed using questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique with a criterion sampling strategy was used to select hundred and thirty household (130) not necessary infertile women and a focus group structured interview was utilized to collect data from the participants. The demographic data of Respondents were analysed using the simple percentage the research hypotheses was analysed qualitatively using Chi-Square Statistical Tool to analyse the data on opinions of infertile couples. The results from the findings of this study shows, none of the respondents had ever practiced child adoption, meanwhile, awareness of child adoption was viewed as alternative to management infertility, though attitudinal disposition varied. Respondents was of the opinion that child adoption brings joy into the lives of the couple especially those who are yet to have children, though they stated that the society does not accept it but adoption was seen as a way of contributing to the life of an individual as well as make the couple satisfied. The study concludes that there the knowledge of child adoption fosters the willingness of individual and couples to legally adopt. Also, the results show that awareness of child adoption positively affects the perception and attitude of infertile women in Alagbaka Community to child adoption and its acceptability as a management option for infertility. The study further finds that child adoption as an alternative option for infertility contributes to the life of an individual as well as makes the couple fulfilled

This study looks at how local government autonomy affects Nigerian grassroots democracy. It looks at how local political, administrative, and financial autonomy impacts accountability, service delivery, and citizen involvement. A survey of 150 people in Nigeria (Edo State, Benin City) was used in the study; 136 of the questionnaires were returned, and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. The results show that although excessive state intervention lowers citizen engagement and responsibility, inadequate autonomy prevents local governments from successfully serving the needs of their communities. In order to deepen grassroots democracy and advance sustainable development, the study comes to the conclusion that local governments can be empowered through administrative, financial, and legal reforms. Improvements to oversight procedures, increased community involvement in local governance, and fiscal independence are among the recommendations