CHALLENGES

This study analyzed the challenges faced by final-year guidance and counseling students at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, during their teaching practice. Five research questions guided the investigation. The sample comprised 131 final-year guidance and counseling students from the Department of Educational Evaluation and Counseling Psychology. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyze the data, and hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed no significant gender differences in the challenges encountered by final-year guidance and counseling students during their teaching practice. The study concluded that the challenges faced by these students included a lack of teaching materials, overcrowded classrooms, unsupportive learning environments, and strained student-teacher relationships. The study suggested that the government ought to assign additional resources to the provision of educational materials, guaranteeing that guidance and counseling students possess the necessary tools for successful teaching practice implementation.

The study examined challenges encountered by student teachers during teaching practice in Nigeria Universities with reference to University of Benin. Five research questions guided the study that adopted a simple descriptive research design.Thepopulation of the study was 300Level and 400Level students of the Faculty of Education, University of Benin for 2017/2021 academic session. The method for data collection was Random Sampling Technique which was used to draw a sample size of 200. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire that was duly validated and its reliability determined. The findings show that inadequate funds, class management and supervision are some of the challenges student.The study also reveals that location of teaching practice school, transportation to the school of practice, extra work load given to the student teacher by the head teacher, lack of infrastructure in the practicing school and negligence on the part of the student teacher are challenges encountered by student teachers during teaching practice.x The study concluded that the challenges encountered by students are numerous. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were made the provision of adequate instructionalmaterials by the practicing school, organization of ef ective and adequate orientation for the student teacher by the institutions and posting of student teachers to schools close to them to enhance teaching practice efectiveness to achieve education for sustainable development in Nigeria

This study examined the Challenges of Child Welfare and Protection Services in Uromi Town, Esan North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The main objective was to investigate the barriers hindering effective child welfare and protection in Uromi and to identify strategies for improving the well-being of children. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents, including caregivers, teachers, community leaders, and social workers, selected through stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used for data collection, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that harmful cultural practices, poverty, and weak law enforcement were the major challenges affecting child welfare in Uromi. Although awareness of child protection laws was relatively high, knowledge and utilization of available welfare services remained limited. Additionally, most cases of child abuse and neglect were underreported due to fear, stigma, and lack of trust in existing structures. Encouragingly, the study found strong community willingness to participate in child protection initiatives if supported by government and NGOs. The study concludes that child welfare challenges in Uromi are rooted in cultural, economic, and institutional factors. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and practical implementation at the grassroots level. It is therefore recommended that government and NGOs: (i) engage community and religious leaders in awareness campaigns to discourage harmful practices, (ii) implement poverty alleviation and empowerment programs to reduce economic pressures on families, (iii) decentralize child welfare services through community-based social workers and confidential reporting systems, and (iv) establish participatory community child protection committees to harness local willingness and strengthen enforcement of child protection laws

This study examined the record management practices and challenges in public secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.Seven research questions was raised to guide this study. The population for this research consists of all the principals in the 13 public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.The 13 principal will be automatically adopted as the sample population given the fact that it is researchable. No sampling technique is used to select the 13 principals in the 13 public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The analysis of the data produced the following findings That the predominant record management practices in Egor LGA secondary schools are generally high, leaning toward modern and organized approache that the challenges in managing school records are generally high and require strategic attention, especially in areas of staff training and infrastructure development.Urban schools appear to have an advantage in terms of digital access and support, while rural schools continue to struggle with staffing and logistical issues, the following recommendations are offered:There should be a clear, LGA- wide records management policy for all schools that standardizes file classification, indexing, retention and disposal schedules, privacy rules, and access controls, with principals held accountable for compliance.There should be continuous capacity building for records officers and administrative staff, including practical training on basic records lifecycle, digital filing, data protection, and use of simple database or spreadsheet tools.There should be phased digitization of core records such as admission, attendance, assessment, transfers, and staff records, with secure
backups, off-site storage, and a routine for verifying data quality.

This research explores the opportunities and challenges of family-owned businesses, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence their success and longevity. The broad objective is to identify the key enablers and obstacles that family businesses face and to offer actionable recommendations for enhancing their sustainability and growth. The study employs a survey methodology, gathering data from a diverse range of family-owned businesses. Respondents provided insights on various aspects such as succession planning, intergenerational involvement, communication, and conflict resolution. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the mean and standard deviation for each variable, highlighting the level
of agreement and variability in responses. The results reveal that early involvement of the next generation and structured succession planning are critical for fostering engagement and ensuring continuity. Effective communication and conflict resolution are also essential for mitigating internal disputes and maintaining performance. However, significant challenges include family conflict hindering succession planning and limited interest from the next generation. There is variability in opinions regarding the impact of effective succession on business growth and stability, indicating mixed perceptions of its benefits. To capitalize on their
inherent strengths and overcome challenges, family-owned businesses should prioritize structured succession planning and actively involve the next generation early, enhance communication and conflict resolution mechanisms for minimizing internal disputes as addressing family conflicts and fostering strong family relationships are essential for effective succession planning. By implementing these strategies, family businesses can achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. This research underscores the need for a strategic approach to managing family dynamics and succession processes, offering valuable insights for
practitioners and scholars in the field of family business management

Caregivers in crèche settings play a pivotal role in nurturing and educating children during their formative years. However, the demand of this profession can lead to emotional stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Therefore, this study explores the
occupational related challenge faced by caregivers in crèche settings, with a focus on the impacts of these challenges on caregiver well-being and the quality of care provided to young children. The study adopted a survey research design and the population comprised all the care givers in the 39 registered crèches in Benin City. The sample was 100 crèches care
givers selected from 25 crèche settings through multi-stage sampling techniques. The instrument for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire designed after a careful study of related literature. The instrument was validated by the three experts
including the researcher’s supervisor. The internal consistency of the instrument was calculated with the cronbach alpha which yields a value of 0.86. The data were analysed with frequency count, percentages and standard deviation. The findings revealed that caregivers in crèche settings encounter a range of occupational challenges. The most commonly reported challenges include caring for crying babies, feeling unsatisfied due to salary payment, lack of appreciation from parents, poor recognition and appreciation of work by crèche management, and poor working conditions of the crèche. Caregivers experience fair challenges associated with the job of caring for children. Additionally, occupational-related challenges posed moderate impact to their health although feeling ill due to job was not mainly ascribed to job demand hence; do not perceive it as impactful to their health. Consequently, it was recommended that government should institute policy framework for effective monitoring and supervision of crèches and Managements of caregiving centres should ensure better welfare package for caregivers including
exposing them to various regular training programme.