FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. Available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being
particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil

This study examined the impact of motivation on employees’ productivity: first bank of Nigeria Plc, Benin Ikpoba Hill branch as a case study. The was a surbey research designed to source data from staffs of Benin Ikpoba Hill branch, using percentage and ordinary regression to analyse the hypotheses of the study. The result of the findings revealed that there is positive significant relationship between work environment motivation of the employees and organization productivity. There is negative significant relationship between the recognition of the employees and empowerment motivation and organization productivity. There is negative no significant relationship between the outcome of employees’ wages and benefits and organization productivity. The study recommends that more research need to done to find out ways to involve the part time employees. Organizations must understand the importance of employee involvement in decision making order to provide great customer services to get competitive age in the market. There is need of employee involvement programme to involve the employees in the decision making process of the organization. Organization must conduct regular survey to find out the employees views regarding different matters of the unit. There must be increase in the financial benefit to motivate the employee to take in the involvement process. The management needs to take necessary steps to motivate the employees to take part in the process. There is a certain ignorance regarding the real benefit of involvement among employees, the management must convince the employee and aware them about the benefits.

The need to fight against corruption in Nigeria led to the promulgation or establishment of Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000. The Act wasthe first bill presented by President Olusegun Obasanjo to the National Assembly for consideration at the inception of the present democratic administration in 1999. It was passed and signed into law on the 13th of June, 2000. The Act establishes the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is the apex body saddled with the responsibility of fighting corruption and other related offences. In spite of the existence of the Anti-Graft Act, corruption in all spheres of our national existence is still on the increase. This inglorious monster of all embarrassment, which has eaten deep into the fabrics of our society, keeps exposing us to international odium and opprobrium. The established ICPC so far still has a lot to do in the aspect of corruption by the investigations carried out. The commission ahs come to be accepted by the populace and expectations on its activities are high. The commission is guided by the vision of fighting corruption to a 9 standstill and restoring Nigeria to the enviable standard of respectability and dignity within the Comity of Nations. The objective of this study therefore, is to look at the role of ICPC and to see how far this role has been performed. The views of scholars on this subject is reviewed in chapter two, wealsolook at the causes and effects of corruption in the same chapter. Chapter three looked at the stage of data presentation, interpretation and analysis, chi-square (X2) was employed for its effectiveness and near accuracy in social science research. This also followed the research design. It is, however, the findings of this work that corruption in Nigeria may have been encouraged by the level of poor education, poor salary among others that exist in the country. This project may now serve as a reference term to others who maybe doing similar corruption in Nigeria. The researcher recommends that: Workers should be well paid. , A worker’s pay should always reflect the socio-economic situation in the country and Education should be given priority in the government budget. If possible, free education to all levels should be introduced and enforced.

This study explores how social networking sites (SNS) influenced youth political participation during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, focusing on students at the University of Benin, Edo State. With young people (ages 18–35) forming the largest voting demographic in Nigeria, understanding their digital political engagement is crucial. The research examines how platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok shaped students’ political awareness, expression, and involvement. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 130 survey respondents, 6 interviewees, and 6 focus groups. Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS (v28.0), while NVivo 12 supported thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke’s six-phase model. The study is grounded in the Uses and Gratifications Theory, Political Efficacy Theory, and the Digital Engagement Model. Findings show that social networking sites increased political information access, fostered discussions, and mobilized many students to participate, especially online. However, concerns over misinformation, apathy, and distrust in online content were noted. While social media is not a cure-all for youth disengagement, it offers valuable tools for political participation such as democratized access to political information, real-time electoral updates, direct communication channels with political figures, cost-effective engagement platforms, opportunities for grassroots mobilization, spaces for political discourse and debate, voter education resources, and community building among like-minded citizens.

This study examined the effect of corruption on revenue generation among civil servants in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The findings reveal that various forms of corruption—such as bribery, fund misappropriation, and kickbacks—significantly undermine the government’s revenue generation capacity in Edo State. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to evaluate the impact of corruption perception on revenue generation among civil servants in Benin City; to investigate the effect of fund misappropriation on revenue generation; to determine the impact of bribery on revenue generation; and to analyze the influence of kickbacks on revenue generation among civil servants in the study area. Primary data were collected from respondents across various ministries, departments, and agencies in Benin City, the capital of Edo State. The study employed descriptive statistical tools, including frequencies, percentages, and mean values, alongside cross-sectional regression analysis. The results indicate that corruption perception has a statistically significant negative impact on revenue generation capacity in Benin City. Similarly, fund misappropriation was found to have a significant adverse effect on government revenue. The study also revealed that bribery significantly reduces revenue generation capacity, while kickbacks among civil servants further contribute to the decline in government revenue. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government should implement regular public disclosure of revenue collection and expenditure reports to enhance transparency and build public trust. Strengthening accountability mechanisms—such as routine audits, proper documentation of financial processes, and transparent reporting systems—would help reduce opportunities for corrupt practices. Additionally, the state government should reinforce anti-corruption laws and ensure strict enforcement through clearly defined penalties for offenders.

The study focused on the characterizing, classifying and identify the soil-forming processes in a waterlogged soil in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State for the purpose of providing an understanding of the ecosystem and land-use sustainability. A soil profile of up to 180 cm was dug in the area, and six soil samples were drawn from the each of the horizons in the profile for laboratory analysis. The morphological properties of these soils: colour, soil structure, soil consistence, drainage, boundaries and root inclusions were recorded in the field. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analysed using different weathering indices. The results showed that the soil in the study area has a moderate, medium, sub-angular blocky structure in the topsoil, with colours ranging from dark reddish brown to red. The bulk density of the soil was found to be within acceptable limits. The water holding capacity (WHC) was highest in the subsurface horizon and lowest in the surface horizons, with the highest values found at the Bt2 horizon and the lowest at the AB horizon. The pH of the soil was slightly acid to neutral and did not show a clear pattern throughout the profile. Available phosphorus was very low and not sufficient for crop production. The levels of micronutrients in the soil, including manganese, copper, zinc, and iron, were higher than necessary for crop plant growth, and crops sensitive to these micronutrients should not be planted. The soil contained high levels of heterogeneous bacteria and fungi, with microbial activity being particularly high at the topsoil. However, microbial activity decreased with soil depth. There is evidence of transformation, translocation of clay, eluviation, illuviation, and leaching. The soils were classified according to the USDA Soil Taxonomy as Typic Kandiudults. These findings provide important information for understanding the suitability of the soil for crop production and identifying potential management strategies. To improve the productivity of the soil in the study area, the study recommends putting in place a well-functioning drainage system and water management facilities, engaging in good organic matter management practices, including the use of farmyard manure, and periodically applying lime to the soil.

The paper examines the connection between electoral malpractice and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, the reasons, consequences, and remedies to improve the electoral integrity. The study through mixed-methods approach also looks at the impacts of different types of electoral malpractices such as vote buying, electoral violence, and result manipulation on the trust that the citizens have in the electoral process, and the erosion of democratic values. Based on the information gathered through a sample of 250 eligible citizens in Nigeria through stratified random sampling, the research will examine how such practices affect the stability of a democracy and the legitimacy of elected administrations. As the findings suggest, electoral malpractice has been still a constant problem, especially with the interference of politics, poor institutions, and the inability to enforce the existing laws, regardless of the numerous reforms, including the introduction of the Electoral Act 2022. The paper points out how political elites can manipulate elections and how the media and the civil society can play a great role in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in elections. In addition it indicates that the electoral violence still obstructs voter turn up and breeds a culture of political indifference and this also undercuts democratic consolidation. Finally, the study notes that more effective implementation of electoral laws, a more effective enforcement of the independence of the judiciary and strengthening of institutional structures are necessary in preventing malpractice. It further reinforces the relevance of civic education and media participation in creating a better informed and active citizen voter.

This study explored the roles of social workers in hospital settings with a specific focus on the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing complexities of patients' biopsychosocial needs in modern healthcare systems necessitate a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, of which social work plays a critical role. The study adopted a case study research design comprising both quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) data collection methods to explore the various roles undertaken by social workers within the hospital setting. Specifically, the research investigated how social workers contribute to patient care, psychosocial assessments, discharge planning, mental health support, advocacy, and policy development in the hospital environment. A total of 131 questionnaires were distributed to healthcare professionals and patients, while 10 in-depth interviews were conducted with practicing social workers at UBTH. Findings revealed that social workers are pivotal in bridging the gap between the medical and psychosocial needs of patients, advocating for patient rights, coordinating care plans, and providing emotional and psychological support to both patients and their families. Challenges such as limited recognition, understaffing, and poor working conditions were also identified. The study concluded with recommendations aimed at improving the visibility, support, and operational environment for hospital social workers in Nigeria. Keywords: Social work, social worker, hospital setting, patient care, inter-professional collaboration.

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 ef icient 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 of icicles with the technical skills required for operating and managing e-governance systems effectively.

This study focused on mental health awareness and stigma among students and staff in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Benin. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A total of five (5) research questions were formulated to guide the investigation. The population of the study comprised 3,194 students across all departments within the Faculty of Social Sciences. The sample size consisted of 500 respondents, distributed as follows: 100 from Sociology and Anthropology, 100 from Social Work, 100 from Political Science, 100 from Economics and Statistics, 25 from Geography, and 75 from Public Administration. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument for data collection. Data obtained were analyzed statistically and presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages of responses. Findings from the study revealed the level of mental health awareness and stigma among both students and faculty members. The study also identified various ways to control stigma within the faculty and proposed recommendations to enhance mental health promotion and reduce discrimination. These include: institutionalizing mental health education, establishing and strengthening support systems, implementing regular awareness campaigns, encouraging peer support initiatives, training faculty and administrative staff, and engaging university leadership in mental health advocacy