FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study investigates the efficiency of monetary policies in controlling inflation in Nigeria using annual data from 2000 to 2023 and applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach. The analysis incorporates inflation as the dependent variable and Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), broad money supply (M2), exchange rate (EXR), gross domestic product (GDP), and foreign direct investment (FDI) as explanatory variables. The results reveal a stable long-run relationship among the variables, supported by a significantly negative error correction term that indicates rapid adjustment toward equilibrium after short-run shocks.
The findings show that exchange rate movements exert a strong positive and significant influence on inflation in both the short and long run, confirming that currency depreciation remains a major driver of price increases. Conversely, the monetary policy rate exhibits no significant impact on inflation, suggesting weaknesses in Nigeria’s monetary transmission mechanism. Broad money supply demonstrates a negative and significant relationship with inflation, implying that liquidity growth does not immediately fuel inflation and may be absorbed productively in the economy. GDP and FDI display mixed and lagged effects, with long-run impacts that highlight the importance of economic activity and investment in shaping long-term inflation dynamics.
The study concludes that while monetary policy is essential for managing inflation, its effectiveness in Nigeria is constrained by exchange rate instability, structural rigidities, and weak policy transmission. Strengthening monetary fiscal coordination, improving exchange rate management, enhancing financial sector depth, and promoting productive investment are crucial for achieving sustainable price stability.

For many Nigerian employees, salary and wages is a critical issue. They are decisive because without them in sufficient quantities, life becomes extremely precarious for the worker and members of his/her family. As direct financial rewards, wages and salaries is the most emphasized by the employee that it sort of takes a center stage in the scheme of things as far as reward for work is concerned. In the study methodology, the study adopts the survey research design, the population of study of this research is made up of the total number of Edo Internal Revenue Service (EIRS) staff which stands at an estimated population of 1358 workers made up of both junior and senior staff which includes both office staff and field workers. The sampling technique used for this study is the simple and probability sampling technique. Also, questionnaire was used as an instrument of data collection, while the techniques of data analysis was the simple percentage and chi square analytical method. The study found amongst others there are strong links between effective salary/wages administration and workers performance in EIRS. Furthermore, policy recommendations were adopted which include amongst others that, a well-structured reward system should be put in place in EIRS in order to enable employees to feel more valued and cherished in the organisation.

This study examined the impact of e-governance on service delivery in the Nigerian public sector: A case study of Edo State Civil Service. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The data was analyzed using simple percentage tables. The results revealed that ICT adoption has positively influenced public service delivery in Edo State by promoting greater transparency, enhancing accountability, and reducing opportunities for corruption. The findings also reveal a range of systemic and human-related challenges that hinder the full realization of e-governance benefits. These challenges corroborate previous studies and highlight that while technology provides a strong foundation for reform, its effectiveness depends largely on the institutional environment in which it is deployed. There must also be adequate investment in infrastructure, human capacity, cybersecurity, and change management to support a successful digital transformation. The study recommended that the government of Edo State should prioritize increased funding for e-governance initiatives. Adequate financial investment is necessary to procure modern ICT tools, upgrade existing digital infrastructure, and maintain systems for efficient public service delivery. Reliable internet connectivity is fundamental to the success of e-governance platforms. The government should collaborate with internet service providers to extend high-speed, stable internet access to all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), including those in rural areas. Training and re-training of civil servants should be institutionalized. Tailored workshops, certifications, and continuous professional development programs are essential to equip public officials with the technical skills required for operating and managing e-governance systems effectively.

This study investigated the influence of grinding fineness on heavy metal leaching across seven common food matrices-melon, tomatoes, pepper, white and yellow corn, beans, groundnut, and crayfish-using both household and industrial tools. Samples were processed at two fineness levels (coarse and smooth), and analyzed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Results showed that smooth grinding consistently produced higher Fe and Zn concentrations than coarse grinding, indicating that finer particle exposure and increased friction enhance metal transfer from processing tools. Iron levels were highest in beans (10.97 mg/kg), followed by crayfish (6.47 mg/kg) and white corn (4.64 mg/kg), while zinc peaked in crayfish (1.15 mg/kg) and groundnut (0.82 mg/kg). Manganese were moderate, with the highest levels in pepper (0.71 mg/kg) and melon (0.58 mg/kg). Nickel appeared only in isolated smooth-ground samples, while cadmium and lead were largely undetected, except for trace levels in melon (0.015 mg/kg) and tomatoes (0.00008 mg/kg). Blenders, hand crank grinders, and aged milling machines contributed most to metal leaching, whereas traditional tools such as mortars and grinding stones showed comparatively lower contamination. Although detected metal levels generally fell within international food safety limits, cumulative exposure may pose long-term health risks. The study concludes that grinding fineness, tool type, and age are key factors influencing heavy metal migration during food processing. Routine equipment maintenance, use of food-grade materials, and greater public awareness are recommended to minimize contamination and ensure safer household and industrial food processing practices.

The Implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has gained significance in improving healthcare delivery globally. This study aims to conduct a comparative study on the implementation of EHRs in the private and public sectors for health care delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to assess the role and implementation of electronic health record to selected private and public sector for healthcare delivery in Edo state. The research was to explore the current state of EHR implementation in both sectors, identify the barriers and challenges faced during implementation, and analyze the impact of EHRs on healthcare quality and efficiency in Edo state. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative data collection through interviews and focus. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of EHR implementation in the private and public sectors in Edo state and will inform policymakers and healthcare professionals on best practices and strategies to maximize the benefits of EHR adoption for improved healthcare delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. Specifically, it recommended that the selected health institutions both public and private should ensure the availability of finances, adequate staff training in the technical know-how of the technological advancement, also be technical infrastructures and manpower like electronic record managers, ICT support staff and computer medical devices. This research will contribute to the existing literature on EHR in the context private and public health care delivery in Edo state and Nigeria, where few research has been conducted on this topic.

The research project an assessment of the level of political interference in the implementation of public procurement in public institutions. The objective of this study aimed at assessing the level of political interference in the implementation of Public Procurement process, identifying other factors affecting public procurement implementation in public institutions and suggesting some possible remedies to preventing political interference in public procurement implementation in public institutions. For this study, the survey research design was adopted. The choice of the design was informed by the objectives of the study as outlined in chapter one. This research design provides a quickly efficient and accurate means of assessing information about a population of interest. The population for this study were workers in Civil Service Commission in Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 134 respondents were selected from the population figure out of which the sample size was determined. Public procurement activities suffer from neglect, lack of direction, poor co-ordination, lack of open competition and transparency, differing levels of corruption and most importantly not having a cadre of trained and qualified procurement specialists, who are competent to conduct and manage such procurements, in a professional, timely and cost-effective manner. Inflexible and bureaucratic systems of procurement contribute to unacceptable contract delays, increased costs, the potential for manipulation of contract awards and lack of fair competition, all of which create the perception in the population at large, that public expenditure is slow, ineffective, expensive and often corrupt

This study examined the effectiveness of coping strategies adopted by single parent families in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The research aimed to identify the major coping strategies used by single parents, assess their effectiveness in addressing socio-economic and emotional challenges, and determine the key factors influencing their coping capacity. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of single parents through a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Findings revealed that single parents in Oredo Local Government Area commonly adopt coping strategies such as engaging in multiple income-generating activities, seeking social and emotional support from family and friends, participating in religious or community groups, and prioritizing children’s welfare through effective time and financial management. The study further found that while these strategies are moderately effective in alleviating financial and emotional stress, single parents still face challenges such as limited access to social support services, financial instability, and societal stigma. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government and non-governmental organizations should provide targeted empowerment programs, counseling services, and social support networks to enhance the coping capacity of single parent families. Strengthening community-based support systems and promoting public awareness to reduce social discrimination against single parents were also recommended.

The problem of child sexual abuse has become a pressing social and educational issue with increasing reports of students being victims of various forms of abuse including molestation, harassment and exploitation by teachers, peers and community members. The study investigated child sexual abuse and the consequences on the educational development of students in selected secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised secondary school students and teachers in Egor Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that child sexual abuse negatively affects students’ educational development. Victims of sexual abuse were found to experience low self-esteem, poor concentration in class, frequent absenteeism, declining academic performance, and in some cases, withdrawal from school. The study also found that inadequate parental supervision, poor guidance and counseling services, and lack of awareness about children’s rights contributed to the persistence of the problem. It was concluded that child sexual abuse has devastating effects on the emotional stability and academic growth of secondary school students. The study recommended that schools should intensify child protection awareness programs, strengthen counseling units, and collaborate with parents, social workers, and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of students. Furthermore, stiffer penalties should be imposed on perpetrators to serve as a deterrent and safeguard the educational future of young learners

This study examined the prevalence and causes of maternal mortality among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Maternal mortality, defined as the death of a woman during pregnancy or within 42 days of the termination of pregnancy, remains one of the most critical public health challenges in developing nations, especially Nigeria. Despite national and global efforts to reduce maternal deaths through initiatives such as the Safe Motherhood Initiative, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nigeria continues to rank among the countries with the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) globally. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, and data were collected from one hundred (100) women of reproductive age (15–45 years) selected through random sampling from various wards within Oredo Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation to interpret the responses according to the research questions. Findings revealed that maternal mortality in Oredo Local Government Area is influenced by both medical and non-medical factors. The major causes identified include lack of access to skilled birth attendants, poor nutrition, delay in seeking medical attention, cultural beliefs, and poor road infrastructure, with a grand mean of 3.30. The educational status of women also plays a significant role (grand mean = 3.24), as illiteracy and low awareness contribute to poor maternal health decisions. Income level emerged as a crucial determinant (grand mean = 3.58), as low-income women often cannot afford quality healthcare, leading to home deliveries and increased mortality. Similarly, deficiencies within the healthcare system such as shortage of qualified personnel, inadequate facilities, and poor emergency services were found to significantly enhance maternal mortality (grand mean = 3.17). The study concluded that maternal mortality in Oredo LGA results from an interplay of socio-economic, educational, cultural, and infrastructural factors. It therefore recommended improved investment in healthcare infrastructure, promotion of women’s education, economic empowerment initiatives, and stronger maternal health awareness campaigns. The study contributes to existing sociological and public health knowledge by emphasizing that maternal mortality is not only a medical issue but also a manifestation of broader social and structural inequalities that demand multidimensional interventions

This study investigates how internally generated revenue (IGR) affects the delivery of primary healthcare (PHC) services in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State between 2010 and 2024. The problem underlying this study arises from the
persistent inadequacy of healthcare funding at the local government level despite the strategic role of PHC in community well-being, leading to irregular drug supply, poor infrastructure, and inconsistent service quality. The objective of the study is to determine the influence of IGR on the availability, quality, sustainability, and infrastructural development of PHC services. The study adopts a descriptive survey design and collects data from 120 PHC workers using a structured questionnaire, and the data are analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. The findings reveal that IGR significantly improves the availability of essential drugs, enhances service quality, supports sustainable PHC operations, and contributes to infrastructural upgrading and the procurement of medical supplies, though challenges such as low tax compliance, weak revenue management, and limited institutional capacity hinder full optimization. The study concludes that IGR remains a critical determinant of effective PHC delivery in the local government area. It recommends strengthening revenue mobilization strategies, improving transparency and accountability in fund management, expanding the local revenue base, and enhancing investment in PHC infrastructure to ensure sustainable and quality healthcare services.