FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study investigates the effects of parental divorce on child development within the Ekosodin Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically examines the emotional, social, behavioral, and academic consequences for children following parental separation. A descriptive survey design was employed, with data gathered from 100 purposively selected respondents including adolescents, parents, teachers, and social workers using structured online questionnaires. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, incorporating frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings indicate that parental divorce significantly disrupts children's emotional stability, social adjustment, behavioral patterns, and academic performance. Emotional distress was evident through symptoms of sadness, anxiety, social withdrawal, and diminished self-esteem. Concurrently, social and behavioral challenges included difficulties in peer relationships, truancy, and aggressive conduct. Academically, performance was adversely affected by reduced motivation, poor concentration, and a lack of consistent parental support. The study also identified the supportive roles of the extended family, teachers, religious institutions, and professional counseling services in mitigating these negative effects. Based on these findings, the study recommends collaborative efforts among parents, educators, social workers, religious organizations, and government agencies to provide comprehensive emotional, social, and academic support for children experiencing parental divorce. This research contributes to the existing literature by offering localized insights into the multifaceted impacts of divorce in a semi-urban Nigerian community, with practical implications for policy formulation, targeted intervention programs, and social work practice

This study examined the public perception on the impact of broken homes on the academic performance of undergraduate students at Iyamho University, Edo State. Drawing on a descriptive-survey design, the research sampled undergraduate students across faculties using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire measuring family structure, home environment, and psychosocial factors, complemented by academic records (cumulative grade point average). The estimated total population of undergraduate students at the University of Iyamho is approximately 7,280 student. The Simple Random technique was adopted in this study. This technique was adopted to allow researcher select the samples on the basis of equal opportunity. It allowed the researcher to create a sample that was objective, with no population member having a higher chance of being chosen than any other.
The findings from this study revealed that parental separation significantly affects students’ concentration and commitment to academic activities. The data indicated that students from separated homes often face emotional instability, psychological stress, and divided attention, which interfere with their ability to focus on schoolwork.
The study concludes that family structure plays a significant role in shaping students’ educational outcomes. Students from stable homes were found to be more consistent, disciplined, and better motivated toward their studies. Conversely, those from broken homes were more likely to engage in maladaptive behaviors, experience academic setbacks, and show lower levels of school commitment. It recommends that tertiary institutions should establish and adequately fund guidance and counseling units that cater to the emotional and psychological needs of students from broken homes and also Parents, regardless of marital status, should prioritize the educational welfare of their children. They should maintain open communication, emotional support, and financial contributions to ensure the child’s academic stability despite family separation.

This study is on elder abuse and social work intervention strategies in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The study uses a research survey design to gather first-hand information about elder abuse among adults aged 18 and above in Ovbiogie Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size is 357 respondents, selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1990) sample size table. The research instrument is a structured questionnaire divided into two sections, A and B, covering socio- demographic variables and objectives. The instrument undergoes content validity review by an expert to ensure it is structured and relevant to the study's purpose. The instrument is also subjected to internal consistency testing to ensure its reliability. The researcher assists two research assistants in administering and collecting the questionnaires, and the data is analyzed using SPSS version 27. The frequency distribution method and charts are used for easier interpretation and understanding for educated, partially educated, and non-educated residents or stakeholders in the community. The findings highlight the high prevalence of elderly abuse in the community with nearly half experiencing it due to cultural taboos, economic dependency, and limited access to healthcare and social services. Social workers can intervene and influence policy decisions.

Kidnapping has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, posing severe threats to rural communities that depend on agriculture for survival. In Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, frequent abductions between 2020 and 2025 disrupted farming activities, reduced farmers’ access to farmlands, and undermined household livelihoods. This study examined the effects of kidnapping on agricultural productivity, farmers’ income, food security, children’s education, and community wellbeing. Findings from statistical data analysis revealed that persistent kidnappings forced many farmers to abandon their farmlands, leading to reduced food production and discouraging investment in agriculture. Household income declined significantly, pushing families into poverty and disrupting children’s education as parents struggled to meet financial obligations. The scarcity of farm produce and other essential goods further increased food prices and worsening the economic hardship faced by rural households. Beyond these economic consequences, the fear and trauma of kidnapping eroded the psychological stability and social cohesion of communities. The study concluded that kidnapping constitutes not only a security problem but also a structural impediment to food security and rural development in Ovia North-East. It recommended strengthening community-based security, supporting affected farmers, and implementing holistic rural development strategies.

This study investigated the implications of political violence on the electoral participation of university students during Nigeria's 2023 general elections. The impelus for this inquiry was the pressing need to identify the elements that inhibit youth participation in democracy, particularly given their substantial proportion of the population. The study sought to determine the correlation between direct or indirect encounters with political violence and subsequent voter discouragement.It further explored the connection between the ferocity of inter-party competition and the frequency of violent occurrences. The methodology employed a survey-based research design, utilizing a structured questionnaire to gather data from a sample of one hundred (100) university students. The resulting data were subjected to analysis through descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and simple percentages. The proposed hypotheses were evaluated using the Simple Percentage Method. The findings indicate an alarmingly low level of student involvement in the electoral process, with a mere 30% of respondents participating in the presidential election. A substantial majority, 58%, identified fear of violence as their primary reason for abstaining from voting. The research documented a high occurrence of violence, with 54% of students reporting direct witness or knowledge of physical assaults. The testing of hypotheses established a significant correlation between the nature of the political violence experienced and the degree of voter discouragement. Furthermore, a significant relationship was confirmed between the intensity of political party rivalries and the prevalence of reported incidents of political violence. In conclusion, this study establishes that political violence, exacerbated by intense party rivalries, serves as a critical barrier to student electoral participation, effectively disenfranchising a vital segment of the nation's educated youth. In light of these conclusions, the study proposes the implementation of targeted security protocols in campus areas, the enhancement of voter education programs to emphasize safety rights, and a renewed commitment from political parties to conduct peaceful campaigns.

This study examined the problem of parental negligence and its implications for children’s welfare in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research sought to determine the prevalence, causes, and effects of parental negligence on children’s physical, emotional, and educational development, as well as to assess the role of social workers in addressing this growing social concern. Guided by Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through interviews with children, caregivers, and social workers using semi-structured interview guides. Findings revealed that poverty, single parenthood, substance abuse, cultural beliefs, and inadequate parental education were the major determinants of negligence in the study area. Neglect manifested through poor nutrition, lack of supervision, educational deprivation, and emotional abandonment, all of which negatively impacted children’s well-being and academic performance. The study further found that social workers play a critical role in identifying, counseling, and rehabilitating affected families, though their efforts are often constrained by poor funding, limited training, and weak policy enforcement. It was concluded that parental negligence significantly undermines children’s welfare and social development in Oredo LGA. The study recommends intensified community sensitization, stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act, increased government support for social work practice, and the establishment of sustainable child welfare programs to protect vulnerable children and break the intergenerational cycle of neglect.

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of cultism on the academic performance of students in the University of Benin. The researcher gathered the primary data through the distribution of questionnaire. A total of 100 respondents were analyzed. The scope of the study for this work was based on the University of Benin. The result of the findings shows that students academic are highly affected by cultism. It was strongly recommended that students engagement in positive activities should be promoted as many students join cults because of peer pressure, boredom, or the search for belonging. Stronger Orientation and Awareness Programs should be introduced. Parental and Community should take an active role in monitoring and guiding their children’s academic and social lives. Strict Disciplinary Measures should be enforced and The government should introduce policies that provide continuous support for the fight against cultism

This study investigates the effects of childhood experiences and trauma on the interpersonal relationships of students at the University of Benin, Benin City. The research was guided by four key objectives: to examine the causes of childhood trauma, investigate its effects on interpersonal relationships, identify the most prevalent forms of trauma, and determine supportive measures for affected students. Employing a descriptive survey design, data were collected from a sample of 150 students across three halls of residence using a semi- structured questionnaire. The findings reveal a high prevalence of childhood trauma, with key contributing factors being parental neglect (26.67%) and emotional abuse (18%). A significant proportion of respondents (46.67%) reported that these experiences adversely affect their ability to interact with others, with 43.33% finding it difficult to trust people. The study concludes that childhood trauma is a critical determinant of relational dysfunction among students, leading to challenges in trust formation and emotional regulation. It recommends the establishment of a trauma-informed counselling unit within the university, targeted psychoeducation for parents, and the strengthening of child protection laws by policymakers to mitigate these effects and promote healthier interpersonal relationships
among the student population.

This study examined The Role of Local Government in Rural Economic Development in Nigeria: A Case Study of Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The survey research design was adopted because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Four research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage analysis. The population of the study consisted of residents of Esan West Local Government Area, and from this population, a total of 350 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-item self- structured questionnaire. The study was anchored on the Human Capital Theory and the Modernization Theory. The Human Capital Theory posits that investment in people through education, training, and skill development—enhances productivity, innovation, and economic growth. This theory underscores the importance of developing the human resource base within rural communities as a key driver of economic advancement. The Modernization Theory, on the other hand, emphasizes that rural economic development can be achieved through structural transformation, improved infrastructure, and the adoption of modern administrative practices. Together, these theories provide a framework for understanding how local governments can
stimulate sustainable rural development through both human and institutional capacity building. Based on the findings, the study concluded that local governments play a crucial role in promoting rural economic development through the provision of basic social amenities, rural infrastructure, agricultural support services, and small-scale enterprise promotion. The study revealed that effective local governance enhances community participation, employment creation, and income generation among rural dwellers. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, political interference, poor administrative capacity, and corruption were found to hinder the effectiveness of local governments in fostering sustainable rural development. Respondents emphasized that while the local government system has great potential for grassroots transformation, its performance remains limited by structural and institutional inefficiencies. The study recommends that governments at all levels should increase budgetary allocations to local governments, ensure accountability in the management of public funds, and strengthen capacity-building initiatives for local government officials. In addition, participatory governance, regular project monitoring, and collaboration with community-based organizations should be

The data gathered from the survey of University of Benin students highlights significant insights regarding the factors contributing to drug abuse, its prevalence, and the impact of awareness campaigns. A total of 100 respondents participated, with a fairly balanced distribution of 47% male and 53% female students. The majority of respondents were below 18 years of age (36%), followed by those aged 18-22 years (28%). The survey also included students from various academic levels, with the largest group being in the 400 level (26%). In terms of reasons for drug abuse, peer pressure emerged as the dominant factor, with 76% of respondents acknowledging its influence. Curiosity and the easy availability of drugs on campus were also significant contributors, while academic stress and anxiety were less frequently cited as reasons for drug use. Despite these factors, a majority did not view drug abuse as a widespread issue at the university, with only 34% agreeing that many students were involved in drug abuse. Awareness campaigns, although successful in informing students about the dangers of drug abuse, have had limited success in changing behaviors. While 78% of respondents agreed that campaigns have raised awareness, only 10% felt that these initiatives have significantly reduced drug abuse. Additionally, most students believe that the campaigns need to be improved to reach a larger audience and to be more effective in changing attitudes toward drug use. Overall, while the campaigns have made progress in educating students, there remains a significant gap in their ability to influence behaviour and reduce drug abuse.