STUDY

The study examined press coverage of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria
through selected national newspapers, namely Vanguard, Punch, and The
Nation of 2025. The study was anchored on the Agenda Setting Theory and
Social Responsibility Theory. The researcher findings of the study, adopted a
content analysis research design, with data collected from 92 sampled
editions of the selected newspapers using a coding sheet as the research
instrument. The study revealed that Nigerian newspapers gave considerable
attention to banditry and kidnapping, with Punch recording the highest level
of coverage, followed by Vanguard and The Nation. Secondly, the study
discovered that coverage of banditry and kidnapping was largely occasional
and event-driven, with limited follow-up reports and investigative stories.
Thirdly, the findings showed that stories on banditry and kidnapping were
given significant prominence, as many reports appeared on the front pages
and centre spreads of the newspapers, indicating the importance attached to
insecurity issues, among others. Based on the findings, it is concluded that
media organisations should move beyond event-based reporting by investing
in investigative journalism and explanatory reports that address the causes
and consequences of insecurity. Additionally, journalists should receive
continuous training on conflict-sensitive and ethical security reporting to
reduce sensationalism and promote responsible coverage. Newspapers
should also increase the use of analytical genres such as features and
editorials to provide deeper understanding of banditry and kidnapping. Finally,
media organisations should strengthen their commitment to social
responsibility by adopting reporting practices that support public safety,
accountability, and peaceful resolution of security challenges in Nigeria

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.

Protein folding is an important process that allows a long chain of amino acids (called a polypeptide) to form a specific three-dimensional shape needed for it to work properly. This project studies how proteins fold using the energy landscape model, which explains folding as a gradual movement toward the most stable and low-energy shape. By reviewing studies from 2020 to 2025 and comparing examples of amyloid-β, prion, and αsynuclein proteins, the research shows how changes in the folding process can cause proteins to fold incorrectly. When this happens, they may form clumps, leading to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The findings show that protein folding is not random it is guided by chemical interactions, helper molecules called chaperones, and how easily different shapes can form. Misfolding occurs when proteins get stuck in the wrong shape, creating harmful structures. Overall, this study helps explain why protein folding is so important to human health. It also shows how understanding the energy landscape model can help scientists find better ways to prevent or treat diseases caused by misfolded proteins.

The study investigates insults and swear words among some Uselu market women. The study investigates language patterns among some market women in Uselu, revealing how frustration or anger is expressed through swearing. The study seeks to examine how the everyday use of curses and swear words shapes the environment and experiences of market women in Uselu market. The study employed qualitative method to capture the actual curses and swear words used among some market women. The study utilized both primary and secondary sources. Data was also collected from six (6) Uselu market women. Participants were recorded during their naturally occurring price negotiations using audio/video recording. This study adopted Ethnography of communication(The SPEAKING model) by Dell Hymes as the theoretical framework for data analysis. The findings reveal that swear words serve not only as a means of emotional expression and stress relief but also understanding language as a tool for social interaction, and price negotiation within the market place.

This study examined how characters in Ayobami Adebayo's Stay with Me demonstrate the dimensions of human consciousness and the nature of the human mind using psychoanalytic theory. This study is limited to Adebayo Ayobami Stay with Me (2017). It focused on exploring the psychological lens of the main characters. This study employed psychoanalytic theory to analyze how unconscious desires, fears, and conflicts shape the characters’ behaviors and relationships in Stay with Me . The study aimed to apply these psychoanalytic principles specifically to examine the unconscious motivations, internal psychological struggles, and defense mechanisms employed by the novel’s main characters, particularly Yejide and Akin.

This study investigates crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, focusing on the perceptions of road users, adequacy of crosswalk infrastructure, compliance with safety measures, and enforcement of pedestrian safety rules. Using a quantitative approach, data was collected through structured questionnaires administered to three sample groups of students, staff, and drivers in the campus. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics and hypotheses was tested with chi-square at 0,05 significance level. The results suggest that comprehensive solutions incorporating improved infrastructure, increased enforcement, and educational campaigns are essential for creating a safer campus environment for all road users. The findings revealed a general negative perception of crosswalk safety, with key concerns around aggressive drivers’ behavior, including over-speeding and mobile phone usage while walking and driving. The research also identifies significant deficiencies in crosswalk signage and markings, with a substantial proportion of respondents reporting poor visibility of crosswalk infrastructure. Whereas, drivers claimed to yield at crosswalks, pedestrians frequently experienced drivers’ non-compliance, highlighting a disparity in perceptions between these groups. Furthermore, the study found a widespread agreement on the need for infrastructural improvements such as better signage and clearer markings. These findings emphasize the need for addressing both infrastructure deficiencies and behavioral issues to improve pedestrian safety. The study contributes to existing knowledge by providing empirical data on crosswalk safety in a university setting, offering valuable insights for future interventions aimed at enhancing pedestrian infrastructure and safety enforcement. This study concluded by providing important insights regarding crosswalk safety in Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, emphasising critical concerns related to pedestrian and driver conduct, along with infrastructural deficiencies. It recommended that all existing crosswalk signage should be repainted using reflective and durable thermoplastic materials to improve visibility, particularly at night and the University’s Security Department, along with local traffic authorities, should enforce pedestrian laws to ensure compliance by both pedestrians and drivers.

The growing presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education is redefining academic work and learning across Nigeria. This qualitative exploratory study investigates academics’ perceptions and utilization of AI tools within Nigeria’s education sector. Drawing on semi-structured interviews conducted with university faculty, the research explores how AI technologies are being applied in teaching, research, and administrative processes. Results indicate that although AI is viewed as a valuable resource for improving instructional effectiveness, research efficiency, and institutional management, its practical adoption remains limited by inadequate infrastructure, lack of technical competence, and unresolved ethical issues. Participants highlighted both enthusiasm for AI’s potential to enhance academic productivity and concern about its implications for academic integrity and equity. The study recommends strengthening institutional capacity through targeted training, investment in digital infrastructure, and the establishment of ethical and regulatory frameworks to guide responsible AI use. These insights add to the growing body of literature on AI integration in Nigeria tertiary education and its role in shaping the sector’s future.

The study investigated the factors that determine students academic performance with the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Benin as the geographical scope. The study aimed at investigating how some factors such as socioeconomic factors, instructional quality and teaching methods, motivation and student engagement determine the academic outcome of students. The study sample consisted of one hundred (100) students from the faculty. A survey research design was adopted eliciting the use of a structured questionnaire in obtaining responses from the respondents on the subject. Descriptive statistical method and regression statistical method were applied to analyze the data and investigate the factors that determine students academic performance. The findings in the study identified that socioeconomic factors has a significant positive effect on academic performance. The study confirms that instructional quality and teaching methods significantly impact academic performance. The study also confirms that student motivation and engagement exert a significant positive effect on academic performance.

This project examined Domestic violence in Benin: A study of Ekosodin community in Benin City, Edo State. The objectives of the study are to identify the concept of domestic violence in Ekosodin, with a focus on understanding the scope and nature of the problem, examine the social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to domestic violence in the area, and how they impact victims, perpetrators, and the community, assess the effectiveness of existing interventions, policies, and programs aimed at preventing and responding to domestic violence in Ekosodin, develop evidence-based recommendations for improving prevention and response strategies, and enhancing support services for survivors of domestic violence in the area, as well as find out the role of social workers in domestic violence in Ekosodin. The survey research method was used which consist of frequency, percentage means and a cross-abulation method was also used to test the structured hypothesis in the study. A total number of 400 questionnaires was distributed to women ranging from those who are single to those in relationships, to the married, separated, divorced and widowers. The statistical analysis was used with the goal of performing the empirical analysis and obtaining estimated coefficients, SPSS was used as statistical package in this study. From the findings, it was revealed that domestic violence is a widespread issue in Ekosodin that significantly impacts families and communities, often leading to long-term physical and psychological consequences. The study also, revealed that the nature of domestic violence in Ekosodin primarily involves physical abuse, with emotional and psychological abuse being less common. It was also revealed that patriarchal social norms and gender inequality significantly contributes to the persistence of domestic violence. It can be concluded that domestic violence is a widespread issue in Ekosodin that significantly impact families and communities, often leading to long-term physical and psychological consequences. Also, victims of domestic violence in Ekosodin often faces challenges in reporting the abuse dues to cultural and stigma and fear of social judgement. Also, the economic dependence on an abusive partner is one of the main reasons victims of domestic violence in Ekosodin are unable to leave their abusers. Substance abuse (e.g., alcohol or drugs) is often a major factor contributing to violent behavior in domestic relationships. And also the current legal frameworks in Ekosodin, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP), are effectively enforced to address domestic violence. It can also be concluded that providing economic empowerment programs for women in Ekosodin, such as job training and microfinance initiatives, will help reduce their dependency on abusive partners. It was recommended that there is a need to enhance community education and awareness campaigns to address cultural stigma and encourage victims to report abuse. Public education should focus on challenging patriarchal norms and informing people about available support services. There is a need to promote economic empowerment for women through job training programs and microfinance initiatives. This will reduce women’s financial dependence on abusive partners and give them the means to leave violent situations. There is a need to strengthen law enforcement training to improve their response to domestic violence cases. Officers should be trained to handle such cases with sensitivity and ensure that victims feel safe when reporting abuse. And also there is a need to increase access to legal support services for victims of domestic violence. with sensitivity and ensure that victims feel safe when reporting abuse. And also there is a need to increase access to legal support services for victims of domestic violence.