FACULTYOFSOCIALSCIENCES

This study focuses on assessment of the psychological effect of child abuse in Benin City, Edo State. This study adopted the survey design through which data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents. The data was analyse using simple percentage technique. The result shows that there is relationship between child abuse and psychological development problem in children and it also revealed that child abuse influences children psychological health related problems during adolescent and adulthood. The study recommended that parents and all relevant stakeholders as well as care givers should be careful about their interactions with children. They need to use empirically-driven behavioural modification techniques that are proven to positively shape behaviour. Physical abuse (e.g. spanking) and psychological “torture” for example ridicule of children should avoided, shaping and other effective methods of changing behavior should be adopted. Child and Social Protection in Edo State should takeproactive measures to control the incidence of physical and psychological child abuse in Edo. The Government should establish functional legal policies that can be used to reduce or prevent physical child abuse; educate the people, affective training, as well as attitudinal change may be effective control measures against psychological child abuse.

This study examined students’ perception of the “Japa Syndrome” among Nigerians in Ovia North-East, Benin City, Edo State. The phenomenon of “Japa,” which refers to the increasing migration of Nigerians in search of better economic opportunities, education, and improved living conditions abroad, has become a significant socio-economic issue. The study aimed to assess students’ level of awareness, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the causes, impacts, and implications of the Japa trend on national development. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of students selected through a purposive sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores.
Findings revealed that a majority of students are highly aware of the Japa Syndrome and perceive it as a response to unemployment, poor governance, insecurity, and limited opportunities in Nigeria. While many respondents viewed migration as beneficial to individuals in terms of improved quality of life and career advancement, they also acknowledged its negative consequences, including brain drain, loss of skilled manpower, and adverse effects on national development.
The study concluded that students generally hold a dual perception of the Japa Syndrome, recognizing both its advantages and its detrimental effects on the country. It was recommended that the government should address the root causes of migration by improving economic conditions, enhancing job opportunities, ensuring security, and investing in education and youth development to reduce the urge for mass emigration.

This study examines the barriers to women's participation in electoral processes in Nigeria, comparing southern and northern regions. Despite progress, women's representation in politics remains low, with regional disparities. The study identifies cultural, socioeconomic, and institutional obstacles hindering women's involvement. Key findings include limited access to education and economic resources, cultural norms, and inadequate policy implementation. The study recommends targeted interventions, policy reforms, and regional-specific strategies to increase women's participation in Nigerian politics.