Master Dissertation

This study explored the Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Mass Communication Undergraduates in Select Universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were Examine the extent of the use of social media by Mass Communication undergraduates in select universities in Edo State, identify specific platforms and their impact, find out the influence of the use of social media on the mental health, highlight contributing mental health factors, and determine the challenges students face as a result of social media engagement. The research adopted a descriptive survey design and in-depth interviews. A structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 490 students drawn from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo University Iyamho, and Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, was used to generate data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics percentages, frequency tables, means, and standard deviations and inferential tools. Findings revealed a high level of social media usage among respondents. While a significant number of respondents acknowledged that social media positively influenced their well-being through positive interactions others reported adverse effects such as low self-esteem, distraction from academic work and increased anxiety.
Key challenges faced by students included academic distraction, online bullying, and sleep disruption. These findings support the social comparison and the uses and gratifications tenets adopted for this study. This suggests that the motivations behind social media use, and how individuals interpret content, significantly influence its psychological impact. The study concludes that although social media can foster emotional connection and engagement, it simultaneously exposes students to psychological vulnerabilities. It recommends that universities implement digital literacy programmes, provide mental health support services, and promote balanced digital habits among students.

Remittance inflows and foreign direct investment (FDI) are widely acknowledged as vital external financing sources for developing countries, providing resources that can foster capital formation, employment, and economic transformation. In Nigeria, however, the extent to which these financial inflows contribute to sustained economic growth has been debated, with mixed evidence emerging across different periods and studies. Against this background, the study aimed to assess the short-and long-run effects of remittance inflows and FDI on real gross domestic product in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022.
The research was anchored on growth theories that emphasized the role of capital inflows in augmented domestic savings and investment, particularly the neoclassical growth model. Using time series data spanning 42 years, the study employed correlation analysis, Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root tests, Johansen cointegration test, and the Error Correction model to investigate the stationarity properties of the variables, their long run relationships, and the dynamics of adjustment between the short run and long run.
The findings revealed that FDI exerted a positive significant impact on economic growth in the short but an adverse and insignificant effect in the long run in Nigeria. Conversely, remittances had an insignificant effect in the short run but it contributed positively and significantly to long run growth. Base on these outcomes, the study recommended that policy reforms should prioritize quality over quantity of FDI, strengthen domestic value chains, improve the business environment and channel remittances through innovative mechanisms such as diaspora bonds and matched savings programs to promote sustainable economic growth.

This study examined the influence of family communication and sociocultural factors on the intellectual Pursuit of women after marriage in Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to analyse how family communication and sociocultural dynamics shape women's intellectual trajectories post-marriage. Specifically, it explored the impact of different family communication styles on women’s confidence and motivation for continued education and professional growth, as well as the influence of sociocultural expectations and gender norms on educational opportunities and personal development. Additionally, the study investigated the intersectionality of ethnicity, class, and geographic location with family communication and sociocultural norms as well as family communication practices, educational policies, and community programmes aimed at enhancing women’s intellectual engagement and success.

Grounded in Family Communication Patterns Theory, Gender Role Theory, Ecological Systems Theory and Genderlect Styles Theory, the study employed a descriptive-correlational design using a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 385 married women was selected using the Taro Yamane formula for calculating sample size, drawn from a population of 9,802 across Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Reliability testing using Cronbach Alpha Statistics yielded a coefficient of 0.76.
Findings revealed that the interaction of family communication and sociocultural factors, including ethnicity, class, geographic location, and family financial status, shapes women’s learning experiences and cognitive outcomes (grand mean = 3.90; highest-rated item mean = 4.01). Conversely, supportive family practices, educational policies, and community programmes are strongly endorsed as effective strategies to enhance women’s intellectual pursuit post-marriage, particularly adult learning policies and lifelong learning workshops (grand mean = 4.23). Furthermore, there is a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between family communication and women’s intellectual pursuit after marriage (r = 0.62, p = 0.000). Finally there is a moderate, negative, and statistically significant relationship between sociocultural factors such as gender roles/limited access to educational resources and women’s intellectual development after marriage (r = -0.57, p = 0.000). The study rejected the null hypotheses, confirming significant relationships among the variables. The study concluded that, open and supportive family communication, enhances the intellectual development of married women. In conclusion, the study revealed that, the interaction between family communication and Socio-cultural dynamics can either amplify or suppress intellectual development. Based on these findings, it recommends fostering supportive family environments, revising educational policies, and initiating community-based programmes that promote lifelong learning among married women. These measures are vital for advancing intellectual equity and enhancing opportunities for women in marital contexts.

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.

This study assesses the public perception of selected Christian Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) in Human Development Activities in Lagos State. Its main objective is to examine the public perception of the socioeconomic empowerment contributions of Christian FBOs towards community members in Lagos state. A cross-sectional (one-time) survey was adopted, where adult male and female members of ten (10) targeted Pentecostal ‘Prosperity Gospel Preaching’ Churches in Lagos state selected purposively were focused open. Questionnaire and in-depth interview were the instruments used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the respondents including on the spot observatory assessment to verify the respondents’ claims. Accidental sampling and stratified random sampling were used during the distribution of the questionnaire, where the targeted Churches were further stratified into branches for easy accessibility, the branches purposively selected, and the questionnaires administered to the worshippers/members as they are available. The study reviewed a few relevant theoretical orientations namely, social exchange theory; human development approach; and open system theory. Chi-square statistical method, percentage analysis, and charts were the methods of data analysis. The major findings include: the public perceive the Church to be satisfactorily committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of the wellbeing of the members and the needy but there is room for improvement; with empirical evidences the Church has contributed in assisting the needy to have access to education, health care facilities, and empowered the needy to gain access to means of income and livelihood; among others. The study therefore recommended thus: that government should seek out ways to partner with the Christian FBOs so as to sustain the complementary roles played by the Church in contributing to the socioeconomic wellbeing of the people; the Christian FBOs should intensify their humanitarian efforts as the population of the poor and the needy are on the increase amidst the worsening socioeconomic situation in Nigeria; some of the Christian FBOs who are not yet committed to the socioeconomic empowerment of the needy should rise to the call and fulfill their corporate social responsibility to the people; the Church should dissociate herself from flamboyant and luxurious lifestyle and focus on its evangelization mission which includes assisting the poor; inter alia.

Scripture Union (SU) is widely recognized for its evangelistic mission in Nigeria, yet its influence extends far beyond the spiritual realm. In southeastern Nigeria, the organization has played a vital role in social and economic development through initiatives in education, healthcare, community building, and empowerment. While existing studies often emphasize SU’s religious dimension, this research highlights its broader contributions, revealing how the movement has shaped communities in tangible and transformative ways. The study also traces SU’s growth and expansion in southeastern Nigeria, focusing on its transition from a missionary-led movement to an indigenized body that adapted its mission to local needs and realities. Through its diverse activities, SU has addressed pressing social challenges in the region. The organization’s educational efforts—such as literacy programs, mentorship for young people, and school outreach—have expanded access to learning and personal growth. Its healthcare interventions, including public health awareness, counseling, and welfare support, have improved community well-being and strengthened families. Moreover, SU has been a moral and social force, fostering community cohesion, promoting ethical values, and advocating for social justice. These initiatives have not only met practical needs but have also reinforced a sense of shared responsibility and moral renewal within southeastern communities. Beyond its social programs, SU has significantly advanced economic empowerment by promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Through vocational training, cooperative societies, and skill development initiatives, it has provided meaningful livelihood opportunities, especially for youth and marginalized groups. These efforts have reduced dependency, enhanced productivity, and contributed to local economic stability. Drawing from archival materials, interviews, and historical records such as Plumbline Magazine, this study reveals that SU’s enduring impact goes beyond evangelism. Its faith-driven approach to development demonstrates that religious organizations can serve as critical agents of transformation in contexts where government support is limited, leaving a lasting legacy on individuals and communities across southeastern Nigeria.

Considering the dynamic nature of 1external debts and infrastructure 1development in Nigeria from 1981 to 2020 and the country's ever-increasing debt, this study was necessary. In particular, it examined how external debt dynamics and debt servicing impacted infrastructure development in Nigeria, and how the country's external debt stock related to infrastructure expansion. Drawing from the Neoclassical Growth Model, the Harrods-Domar 1Economic Growth Model, and the Two-Gap Model, the study sought to comprehend the workings of Nigeria's foreign debt and infrastructure development. The analysis relied on 1secondary data sourced from the 1World Development Indicator, 2020. We used ARDL, ADF, and Ordinary 1Least Square (OLS) to conduct the regression analysis. The E-views software, specifically edition 8.0, was used to analyze the data. Foreign loan servicing has a 1small negative impact on infrastructure1 development, as shown by the results. Therefore, our government must diversify our economy away from its reliance on oil if we are to lessen the blow of falling oil revenues, which usually force us to take on more debt.

This study was conducted at the University of Benin, Faculty of Agriculture experimental farm, from October 2021 to Oct 2022, to determine the best propagation method and planting date for enhanced growth and yield components of onion (Allium cepa) in two seasons (dry and wet) in a rainforest zone of Nigeria. Onions were cultivated using sets and seeds on four planting dates in each season. The experiment was laid out in a factorial design, comprising 8 treatments for each season (P1D1, P1D2, P1D3, P1D4, P2D1, P2D2, P2D3, P2D4) in three replications, where P represents propagation methods (P1: set and P2: seed), and D planting dates for Dry (D1: Oct 10th, D2: Oct 24th, D3: Nov 7th and D4: Nov 21st) and Wet (D1: Mar 6th, D2: Mar 20th, D3: April 3rd and D4: April 17th) season.
Data on growth and yield parameters, including plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, stem diameter (cm), bulb length (cm), bulb diameter (cm), number of bulbs per stand, bulb weight per plot (g/m2), and yield (t ha-1), were collected and subjected to statistical analysis. Results showed significant effects of propagation method, planting date, and season on most parameters measured.
During vegetative growth, seasonal effects influenced the number of leaves, which was higher in the wet season (16.47) than in the dry season (11.78), while plant height and stem diameter showed no significant differences. Set propagation yielded significantly over seed propagation higher plant height (49.14 cm), number of leaves (29.98) both on planting date April 17 and stem diameter (1.88 cm) on planting date Nov 21. For yield components, dry season cultivation produced significantly higher bulb diameter (9.35 cm), bulb weight per plot (976 g/m²), and yield (9.76 t ha⁻¹) compared to the wet season. However, bulb length and the number of bulbs per stand were not significantly affected by season.

This dissertation examines the intricate balance between treatment, rights, and autonomy for persons with psychosocial disabilities within the legal, institutional, and policy frameworks of Nigeria and South Africa. It explores how both countries have responded to the international human rights standards established under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), particularly in relation to the principles of informed consent, legal capacity, non-discrimination, and supported decision-making. The study adopts a qualitative doctrinal research methodology supported by a comparative approach, relying on constitutional provisions, mental health legislation, case law, policy instruments, and academic commentaries to evaluate the extent to which national laws and practices conform to or deviate from global and regional human rights obligations. It finds that although Nigeria and South Africa have both made legislative and policy strides toward protecting the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities, the balance between compulsory treatment and respect for personal autonomy remains deeply problematic. In Nigeria, mental health governance is constrained by outdated laws, weak institutional capacity, and pervasive stigma that justify coercive and custodial models of care. The Mental Health Act, though recently enacted, lacks the necessary mechanisms to ensure informed consent and safeguard against arbitrary detention and treatment. South Africa, on the other hand, has a more advanced legal regime under the Mental Health Care Act 2002, complemented by strong constitutional guarantees and an active judiciary that has recognized the rights and dignity of vulnerable persons. Yet, in practice, the country continues to face challenges of resource limitations, uneven enforcement, and persistent discrimination within mental health facilities. Both jurisdictions demonstrate the tension between medical paternalism and the human rights-based approach envisaged by the CRPD. The research argues that genuine respect for autonomy requires dismantling institutional practices that prioritize control and containment over empowerment and inclusion. It proposes a shift toward supported decision-making frameworks, community-based mental health services, and participatory models that integrate persons with psychosocial disabilities into policy design and implementation. Furthermore, the dissertation emphasizes that the protection of rights cannot be achieved solely through legislative reform but must be supported by adequate funding, awareness campaigns, professional training, and judicial oversight. Comparative analysis reveals that while South Africa offers valuable lessons in legal reform and rights-based policy, Nigeria’s experience underscores the urgent need for implementation strategies tailored to socio-cultural realities and institutional constraints. The study concludes that balancing treatment, rights, and autonomy is not merely a legal or medical issue but a multidimensional challenge that demands collaboration among government institutions, civil society, health professionals, and the affected communities themselves. By integrating comparative insights and human rights perspectives, this dissertation contributes to the growing body of scholarship advocating for the full realization of the rights of persons with psychosocial disabilities in Africa. It highlights the necessity of harmonizing domestic mental health laws with international standards and creating sustainable enforcement mechanisms that protect individuals from coercion while ensuring access to quality and compassionate mental health care. Ultimately, the study contends that only through a comprehensive, rights-oriented, and inclusive framework can both Nigeria and South Africa achieve a true balance between necessary treatment interventions and the fundamental autonomy and dignity of persons with psychosocial disabilities.

Land Cover Change poses a significant challenge to agricultural land use, food security, and environmental sustainability. In Ikpoba-Okha LGA, Edo State, rapid urbanisation, population growth, and industrial expansion have resulted in large-scale conversion of agricultural land into residential, commercial, and industrial uses. This study assesses the rate, drivers of land cover changes, the land use changes across the study area over 30 years (1993–2023), its impacts on agricultural land use, and the mitigation strategies adopted by household heads. The study employed a mixed-method approach, integrating Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis, alongside questionnaires and focus group discussions. A purposive sampling technique was used to select household heads from ten communities across Ikpoba-Okha. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, including percentages, presented through tables, charts, and maps. Results revealed that between 1993 and 2023, agricultural land decreased by 27.58%, while built-up areas increased by 33.45%, indicating significant urban encroachment. The most notable increase in built-up land occurred between 2013 and 2023, rising by 25.62%, whereas bare surfaces declined by 10.39% in the same period, suggesting land conversion. Water bodies showed minor but consistent growth (+0.16% overall). The sharpest decline in agricultural land (-21.93%) was observed between 1993 and 2003. The findings indicate that Land cover change has significantly reduced agricultural land, exacerbating land-use conflicts, food insecurity, and environmental degradation in Ikpoba-Okha. The study recommends stronger zoning regulations, financial support for farmers, and improved infrastructure to balance urban growth with agricultural sustainability.