FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

This study examined the relationship between interparty rivalry and national development in Nigeria, focusing on the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study aimed to assess how political rivalry, policy implementation, party system balance, and socioeconomic consequences influence national development. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to selected respondents. The data viii obtained were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including multiple regression analysis, with the aid of SPSS Version 27. The results revealed that political rivalry had a significant negative effect on national development (β = 0.362, p = 0.000), indicating that excessive competition and political intolerance weaken governance and hinder progress. Policy implementation and party system balance both showed significant positive effects (β = 0.328, p = 0.001; β = 0.314, p = 0.002 respectively), suggesting that effective governance and stable political structures promote sustainable development. Socioeconomic consequences, such as unemployment and insecurity, had the strongest impact on national development (β = 0.386, p = 0.001). The regression model produced an R value of 0.734 and an R Square of 0.645, indicating that about 64.5% of the variation in national development is explained by the combined effects of the independent variables. The study concluded that interparty rivalry among major political parties in Nigeria poses a major obstacle to national development by fostering instability, policy inconsistency, and weak governance cooperation. It recommends the promotion of political tolerance, institutional reforms, policy continuity, and interparty dialogue to enhance democratic maturity and sustainable development in Nigeria.

This study aims to assess the level of awareness on sex education among adolescent boys in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. With the prevalence of teenage pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and misconceptions surrounding sexual health, understanding the extent of sex education knowledge among adolescent boys is crucial for effective interventions. Utilizing a quantitative research approach, data will be collected through structured questionnaires distributed among a representative sample of adolescent boys in the study area. Statistical analysis will be employed to determine the level of awareness, sources of sex education, and potential influencing factors. The study reveals that older adolescents, particularly those in SS2 and SS3, tend to have higher awareness levels compared to their younger counterparts. This suggests that as adolescents progress through their educational journey, they may become more exposed to sex education materials or discussions, either through formal school curricula or other sources. The findings highlight the diverse sources of sex education information accessed by adolescent boys, ranging from traditional sources like parents and relatives to modern platforms like social media and the internet. It was also recommended that while trying to provide comprehensive coverage, there is need for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information across all channels. Educators, healthcare providers, and community leaders must collaborate to develop evidence-based sex education programs that encompass various mediums and cater to the specific needs and preferences of adolescent boys. In light of the identified challenges and barriers, such as cultural taboos, societal norms, and reliance on inaccurate information, targeted interventions are necessary to address misconceptions and promote positive attitudes towards sex education.

This research work seeks to explore the herder/farmer conflicts and human security in Enugu State, Nigeria, with a view to situating its nature, causes, dynamics, effects and implications. By way of historical analysis of previous and present studies anchored on the political ecology perspective, the research posits that the conflicts have been informed by the desperate struggle for competitive survival and subsistence in an environment characterized by ecological scarcity and livelihood insecurity. The study had the following specific objectives; determine the socio-economic attributes of the rural crop herders/farmers; identify the sources of herders famers conflicts in rural farmers on rural development and describe the methods adopted to resolve herders assess the ecological effects of migration but others farmers on rural development and describe the methods adopted to resolve others from us conflicts with rural crops in the area. The research finds that the situation has been exacerbated by the phenomenon of climate change, whose dynamics tend to have been aggravating natural resource conflicts across the world. The research submits that the conflicts situation under review portends negatively for sustainable societal progress especially national security in Nigeria.

This study investigates the role of industrialization in driving economic growth in Nigeria, focusing on key trends, relationships, and policy implications. The research is guided by four
main objectives: to examine the trend in industrial production, assess the trend in economic growth, estimate the relationship between industrialization and economic growth, and provide appropriate policy recommendations. Through the analysis of historical data and the application of econometric techniques, the study uncovers the fluctuating nature of industrial output and its limited but positive impact on Nigeria’s overall economic performance. Despite efforts to promote industrial development, challenges such as infrastructural deficits, policy inconsistencies, and weak institutional support have hindered the sector’s potential to significantly boost economic growth. The findings suggest that a strategic and sustained industrialization agenda—complemented by targeted investments, policy coherence, and enhanced public-private collaboration—is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential and achieving long-term growth.

This study investigates the determinants of nutritional and health status among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, focusing on residents of the Aminu Kano, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Madam Tinubu, and Akanu Ibiam hostels. Utilizing a descriptive and expository research design, data were collected from 110 respondents through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews, employing a multi-stage sampling technique combining quota and convenience sampling. The findings reveal that while 90% of students are aware of balanced diets, only 60% consistently apply this knowledge; hindered by financial constraints, time limitations, and limited access to healthy foods. Lifestyle factors, including low physical activity (40% rarely exercise), high stress (80% report moderate to high levels), and inadequate sleep (30% sleep less than 6 hours), significantly impact health. Dietary habits show reliance on starchy staples (60%) and low fruit/vegetable intake (10%), with 70% influenced by cultural factors. Socioeconomic status, particularly low income (30%), exacerbates nutritional deficiencies, such as anemia. Although 60% report healthy food availability, affordability and accessibility remain barriers for 50% and 45% of students, respectively. Students expressed strong interest in interventions, with 80% favoring nutrition workshops, fitness programs, and mental health support. Thematic analysis highlighted financial constraints, time limitations, and lack of nutritional knowledge as key barriers. The study recommends subsidized healthy food programs, nutritional education, improved recreational facilities, stress management support, and targeted assistance for low-income students to promote healthier lifestyles and enhance overall well-being.

This study examines the effect of party politics on political campaigns in Nigeria, with specific emphasis on the 2023 presidential election in Anambra state. Nigeria has come a long way since 1922 in terms of the number and spread of political parties. The number of political parties and their spread seems to give the impression that representation has become an important requirement for the existence of political parties. The study adopts a survey design and employs quantitative research methods. Primary data is collected through structured questionnaires administered. The sample size is determined using Cochrane (1977) sample size determination formula, yielding approximately 390respondents, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional representation. The data collected from the instruments were organized in tables using simple percentages. Cronbach's Alpha is employed to test the reliability of the research instrument, ensuring consistency in measuring the variables. Findings from the study revealed that Nigerian political parties often lack clear ideologies making it difficult for voters to distinguish between them. This ambiguity fuels party defections and transactional politics. It was also revealed that politicians make provocative statements that ignite passions and hostilities among their supporters, often targeting opponents or rival groups. The study offers valuable recommendations that political candidates and party members should make frantic efforts to inform or persuade electorates for their votes rather than mislead them with enticing words or making hate speeches capable of disrupting the electoral process and causing disenchantment among the electoraes, it was also recommended that political candidates and parties should communicate their political agenda without the use of force, destructive tendencies and unhealthy rivalry among one party and the other and between party members and electorates.

Domestic violence remains one of the most pervasive social problems with profound implications for families and communities. This study investigates the consequences of domestic violence on victims’ families in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, with specific attention to women and children as primary victims. Guided by a mixed-methods approach, the research employs structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews to examine the physical, psychological, emotional, and social effects of domestic violence. Findings reveal that domestic violence significantly lowers women’s self-esteem, exposes them to severe health risks including injuries, disabilities, and adverse pregnancy outcomes, and increases their vulnerability to mental health challenges such as depression and trauma. Many women who reported abuse expressed a tendency to leave abusive relationships, but inadequate support systems, stigma, and fear of reprisal often hinder timely action. For children, domestic violence was found to negatively affect their interpersonal relationships with peers, emotional
stability, and academic performance. Victims’ children often experience reduced parental care, psychological distress, and difficulty in self-expression both at home and in school, which may lead to long-term developmental challenges. The study also highlights the gaps in institutional and community support mechanisms. While some government agencies, NGOs, and community- based initiatives exist in Egor LGA, access to counseling services, shelters, and effective law enforcement responses remain limited. The research concludes that addressing domestic violence requires comprehensive interventions including strengthened policy enforcement, community sensitization, psychosocial support, and empowerment programs for victims. The study recommends that government agencies should enforce stricter laws against domestic violence, ensuring that abusers are held accountable. Community education should focus on changing societal attitudes that normalize domestic violence. More shelters, counseling centers, and financial aid programs should be established for victims. Government and NGOs should establish more accessible psychological support centers for victims

Elections are central to democratic governance, yet their integrity is often undermined by the influence of money politics, particularly in developing democracies such as Nigeria. This study examines the political economy of elections with a specific focus on the implications of money politics on voting behavior in Ovia North-East Local Government Area during the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election. Grounded in political economy perspectives, the research explores how financial inducements, vote buying, and clientelistic exchanges shape electoral outcomes and weaken democratic accountability. The study adopts a qualitative approach, drawing on both primary and secondary data sources to analyze the interaction between the supply and demand sides of money politics. It highlights how socio-economic factors such as poverty, weak institutional frameworks, and limited voter education contribute to the persistence of vote buying. The findings reveal that money politics significantly influences voter decision-making, reduces electoral competitiveness, and distorts representation by prioritizing short-term material benefits over long-term policy considerations. Furthermore, the study finds that the prevalence of money politics undermines electoral credibility, fuels political violence, and weakens public trust in democratic institutions. In the context of Edo State, persistent electoral malpractices have contributed to political instability and hindered democratic consolidation. The research concludes that addressing money politics requires a comprehensive approach, including electoral reforms, strengthened institutions, transparency in political financing, and intensified civic education. The study recommends stricter enforcement of campaign finance regulations, improved oversight by electoral bodies, and targeted voter sensitization programs to reduce the demand for vote buying. Ultimately, promoting credible, free, and fair elections is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring sustainable political and socio-economic development.

This study examines the role of internally generated revenue (IGR) in enhancing primary health care (PHC) delivery in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State from 2010 to 2024. The problem investigated arises from the persistent inadequacy of locally generated funds to meet the operational and infrastructural needs of PHC facilities in the area. Despite reforms to improve tax administration and revenue collection, Egor LGA continues to face poor funding, inefficient collection systems, mismanagement, and low public compliance, all of which hinder effective health service delivery. Guided by the Fiscal Federalism Theory, Systems Theory, and Public Choice Theory, the study emphasizes the importance of fiscal autonomy, accountability, and interdependence between financial systems and health institutions. A survey research design was adopted, using structured questionnaires administered to 400 respondents drawn from health workers, administrators, and community stakeholders. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that internally generated revenue significantly supports the running of PHC facilities through the provision of drugs, maintenance of infrastructure, and payment of staff allowances. However, challenges such as weak revenue collection mechanisms, political interference, poor accountability, and inadequate human resources continue to limit its effectiveness. The study also established that improvements in IGR correlate with better health service quality and accessibility when funds are transparently managed. The study concludes that sustainable PHC delivery in Egor LGA depends on effective mobilization and utilization of IGR. It recommends the modernization of revenue collection systems through digital platforms, stricter financial accountability, staff training, and community participation in fiscal planning. Strengthening institutional frameworks and enforcing transparency in fund allocation will enhance the capacity of Egor Local Government to finance and sustain quality primary health care services.

This study investigates the impacts of internal displacement due to insurgency on women and children in Nigeria, with a focus on the International Christian Centre, Uhogua, Benin City IDP camp. Driven by the Boko Haram insurgency and related conflicts, over 3.5 million Nigerians, predominantly women and children, are internally displaced as of 2024. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative data from in- depth interviews and focus group discussions with quantitative survey data from 100 participants (50 women and 50 children). Findings reveal severe disruptions in economic livelihoods, with 88–90% of respondents reporting reduced income opportunities, asset loss, and reliance on precarious informal activities. Psychologically, 92–93% noted high anxiety, hopelessness, and trauma symptoms, with only 23% acknowledging adequate mental health support. Access to healthcare and education is critically limited, with only 30% and 25% reporting sufficient services, respectively. Policy gaps are evident, with 90% highlighting inadequate economic interventions and weak government-NGO collaboration. Chi-square tests confirmed significant relationships between displacement and insurgency, economic livelihoods, and psychological effects. Grounded in ecological systems theory, vulnerability framework, and human security approach, the study recommends targeted economic empowerment, enhanced psychosocial support, improved healthcare and education access, and stronger policy implementation to address these challenges and foster resilience among displaced populations