SUMAINA YESUFU

This study investigates the effect of single parenting on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Benin, with a focus on the Faculty of Social Sciences. The study investigates the impact of financial and emotional support from single parents on students' academic performance, while also highlighting significant challenges such as financial limitations, emotional instability, and the struggle to balance academic and household duties. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 342 undergraduates across 100 to 400 levels using structured questionnaires. The analysis, conducted with SPSS 24.0, highlighted the importance of financial and emotional support in shaping academic resilience among students from single-parent families. The findings revealed that effective coping strategies and robust social support networks are essential for these students to succeed academically. The study offers recommendations, such as enhancing financial aid programs, strengthening emotional and psychological support services, improving access to academic resources, and establishing dedicated support offices. These measures aim to address the unique needs of students from single-parent families, thereby promoting their academic success. The study underscores the importance of targeted interventions and institutional support to foster an inclusive learning environment, encouraging policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies that address the multifaceted challenges faced by these students. Further research is also recommended to explore additional dimensions of single parenting and academic performance, expanding the understanding of how family dynamics impact educational outcomes.

This study examined influence of drug abuse on students’ academic performance in Benin City, (A Case Study of UNIBEN Students). Four (4) research questions were raised to guide the study. The sample for the study consists of one hundred (100) respondents selected from the area under investigation. The participants were selected
using the simple random sampling technique while the data was collected with the aid of questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the instrument were ascertained using the test-retest procedures. Simple percentages and revealed that drug abuse influences students’ academic performance negatively and also, that most students consume Indian hemp frequently coupled with the fact that the prevalence of cocaine consumption among students is also high. The study recommended that School authority should enforce strict rules on drug abuse by requiring all social events during orientation of first years to be drug free, disseminate responsible host guidelines for both on- and off-campus parties, install a responsible beverage service program, eliminate residence hall delivery of alcohol purchases, advertise food and activities, such as dancing or sports, rather than drinking as the focus of the event.

Globally, mental health disorders are a major public health issue, affecting people across all age groups. Approximately 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions (World Health Organization 2022). The objective of the study was to examine the impact of community-based mental health programmes on youth development in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Hence the study ascertained the causes of mental health challenges among youth in the study area, explored the community-based mental health programs, determined how community-based mental health programs influence youth development, identified ways to improve the mental health and explored the role of social workers in community-based mental health programs in the Oredo Local Government Area. The study adopted the mixed-method type of research, also known as triangulation. This design allows to triangulate data by using multiple sources of information to confirm or validate each other’s. The study population included residents of Oredo LGA 18 years and above without prejudice to ethnic nationality, social status, or educational qualifications. LGA counsellors, health workers, and community heads in the LGA also form part of the Oredo LGA. The sample size for this was determined using an appropriate mathematical model for sample size and the multi-stage, otherwise known as area sampling, procedure in selecting respondents for the study. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) were used in data collection. The analysis and discussion were based on the data from the field using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. The findings from the study revealed that there were different causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The causes could be linked to spiritual, physical, or social and psychological triggers. These triggers included spiritual factors, such as the belief in the possession of evil spirits, and psychological factors, like frequent exposure to stressful and traumatic events. The findings further identified social triggers such as family history, poverty, and drug abuse as leading causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The findings revealed that existing mental health programs, like the school-based mental health program, were very effective. It was, however, discovered that the existing mental health xi program in the study area was not participatory. That is, the community members were not drafted as partners in the process towards addressing the mental health crisis. The services was also not easily accessible thereby limiting their benefits to those who needed them most. The study therefore recommends appropriate implementation of community-based mental health programmes that are participatory. That is, the type that engage the host community in the design, formulation, and implementation of mental health programs in the study area. The programme should be designed in such a way that it engage local leaders, community members, and youth themselves.

Globally, mental health disorders are a major public health issue, affecting people across all age groups. Approximately 970 million people were living with a mental disorder in 2019, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions (World Health Organization 2022). The objective of the study was to examine the impact of community-based mental health programmes on youth development in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Hence the study ascertained he causes of mental health challenges among youth in the study area, explored the community-based mental health programs, determined how community-based mental health programs influence youth development, identified ways to improve the mental health and explored the role of social workers in community-based mental health programs in the Oredo Local Government Area. The study adopted the mixed-method type of research, also known as triangulation. This design allows to triangulate data by using multiple sources of information to confirm or validate each other’s. The study population included residents of Oredo LGA 18 years and above without prejudice to ethnic nationality, social status, or educational qualifications. LGA counsellors, health workers, and community heads in the LGA also form part of the population. A sample size of 424 was drawn from the total population of residents 18 years and above from the 12 wards in the Oredo LGA. The sample size for this was determined using an appropriate mathematical model for sample size and the multi-stage, otherwise known as area sampling, procedure in selecting respondents for the study. The structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interview (IDI) were used in data collection. The analysis and discussion were based on the data from the field using descriptive statistics and content analysis respectively. The findings from the study revealed that there were different causes of mental health
challenges in the study area. The causes could be linked to spiritual, physical, or social and psychological triggers. These triggers included spiritual factors, such as the belief in the possession of evil spirits, and psychological factors, like frequent exposure to stressful and traumatic events. The findings further identified social triggers such as family history, poverty, and drug abuse as leading causes of mental health challenges in the study area. The findings revealed that existing mental health programs, like the school-based mental health program, were very effective. It was, however, discovered that the existing mental health xi program in the study area was not participatory. That is, the community members were not drafted as partners in the process towards addressing the mental health crisis. The services was also not easily accessible thereby limiting their benefits to those who needed them most. The study therefore recommends appropriate implementation of community-based mental health programmes that are participatory. That is, the type that engage the host community in the design, formulation, and implementation of mental health programs in the study area. The programme should be designed in such a way that it engage local leaders, community members, and youth themselves.

This study explores the development of a social work intervention model aimed at improving food security and nutrition among children in Benin City, Nigeria. Against the backdrop of rising food inflation, urban poverty, and systemic malnutrition, the research investigates the prevalence and causes of food insecurity, emphasizing its impact on child health and development. Using a descriptive survey design, the study identifies key socioeconomic drivers such as household income, maternal education, and access to healthcare. It proposes a structured, evidence-based framework for social workers to transition from reactive aid distribution to proactive, holistic interventions. The model integrates case management, community empowerment, and policy advocacy to address both immediate nutritional needs and long-term resilience. Findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts among social workers, policymakers, and NGOs to combat child malnutrition and promote sustainable food security in urban settings. Keywords: Food Security, Malnutrition, Social Work Intervention, Child Nutrition, Urban Poverty.