SOCIAL WORK

This study examined the problem of parental negligence and its implications for children’s welfare in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research sought to determine the prevalence, causes, and effects of parental negligence on children’s physical, emotional, and educational development, as well as to assess the role of social workers in addressing this growing social concern. Guided by Attachment Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Ecological Systems Theory, the study adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Data were collected through interviews with children, caregivers, and social workers using semi-structured interview guides. Findings revealed that poverty, single parenthood, substance abuse, cultural beliefs, and inadequate parental education were the major determinants of negligence in the study area. Neglect manifested through poor nutrition, lack of supervision, educational deprivation, and emotional abandonment, all of which negatively impacted children’s well-being and academic performance. The study further found that social workers play a critical role in identifying, counseling, and rehabilitating affected families, though their efforts are often constrained by poor funding, limited training, and weak policy enforcement. It was concluded that parental negligence significantly undermines children’s welfare and social development in Oredo LGA. The study recommends intensified community sensitization, stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Act, increased government support for social work practice, and the establishment of sustainable child welfare programs to protect vulnerable children and break the intergenerational cycle of neglect.

This study investigates the effects of conflict on the academic performance of students at the University of Benin and explores the implications for social work interventions. Drawing on the Social-Ecological Model, the research examines how academic, personal, and social conflicts ranging from grading disputes and interpersonal tensions to financial stress impact students’ academic outcomes and mental well-being. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study analyzes students’ coping mechanisms, evaluates the effectiveness of existing conflict resolution structures within the university, and identifies gaps in institutional support. Findings reveal that unresolved conflicts contribute to decreased academic motivation, heightened anxiety, and lower performance metrics. While some students employ adaptive coping strategies, many rely on avoidance or peer support, which may not yield sustainable academic success. The study highlights the limited accessibility and perceived ineffectiveness of current university conflict resolution mechanisms. It underscores the critical role of social workers in educational settings, advocating for their integration into university systems to provide counseling, mediation, and psycho-social support. The research concludes with practical recommendations for social work-led interventions aimed at fostering a more supportive and resilient academic environment.

This study explores the intersection of social work, gender equality, and women's empowerment in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. It examines the role of social work in promoting gender equality and empowering women, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in this context. The study employs a Survey Research Design method of data collection. The findings reveal that social work interventions can significantly impact women's empowerment and gender equality, but face challenges such as cultural and societal norms, limited resources, and inadequate policy implementation. The study concludes that social work can play a vital role in promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in Benin City, and recommends increased investment in social work programs, policy reforms, and community engagement.

The advent of the internet has revolutionized various aspects of human life, including education. However, this progress has also given rise to new forms of crime, specifically cybercrime. Cybercrime refers to any illegal activity that primarily uses a computer as its medium. This broad category encompasses actions such as hacking, phishing, identity theft, and online scams. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a significant surge in cybercrime, with university students being notably involved. This trend poses a grave concern for many educational institutions, including the University of Benin. The involvement of students in these illicit activities tarnishes the reputation of their respective institutions and poses severe threats to their academic achievements¹.

This study investigates the intricate impact of single parenthood on child development within the Egor Community of Edo State, Nigeria, and explores its implications for social work practice. Using a descriptive survey design, the research gathered empirical data from 300 single parents to illuminate their socio-economic realities, challenges, and perceptions of how single parenthood affects their children's cognitive, emotional, and social development, as well as the availability of support systems. The findings reveal a concerning landscape where single-parent households are disproportionately burdened by pervasive economic precarity, unstable incomes, and a striking deficit in support from both informal networks and formal structures. A particularly poignant finding is the perceived inadequacy of emotional support from family and friends, which challenges the traditional narrative of robust extended family support in African cultures. This lack of support, coupled with economic strain, leads to significant emotional overwhelm and formidable challenges in managing child behavior for single parents. These multifaceted challenges are perceived to exert profound negative influences on children's academic performance, emotional well-being, and social integration. The study, guided by Social Learning Theory and Family Systems Theory, underscores how these stressors can impede positive parental modeling and destabilize the family's emotional equilibrium. The empirical evidence also confirms a severe deficit in formal support systems, representing a systemic failure to protect a vulnerable population and making social work interventions critically urgent and foundational. The research provides a compelling empirical foundation for urgent, integrated, and culturally sensitive social work interventions aimed at bolstering the resilience and well-being of single-parent families in Egor Community

This study investigates the prevalence and nature of elder abuse in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, and evaluates the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies. It explores the socio-economic, health, and cultural challenges faced by older adults, including financial insecurity, inadequate healthcare access, and social isolation. The erosion of traditional family support systems due to urbanization and migration has left many elderly individuals vulnerable to neglect and mistreatment, highlighting the urgent need for formal care structures and culturally sensitive interventions. Using a quantitative research approach, 280 questionnaires were distributed, with 266 valid responses analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS. The findings reveal that psychological abuse is the most prevalent form of elder mistreatment, and that cultural values significantly influence caregiving practices. While informal care remains central, the study emphasizes the importance of integrating cultural understanding into social work practice to enhance the quality of care and support for older adults. The study concludes that effective social work interventions such as advocacy, counseling, caregiver training, and community sensitization are essential to improving the well-being of older adults. It recommends collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to develop sustainable elder care systems. These insights contribute to policy development, professional training, and future research aimed at safeguarding the dignity and rights of Nigeria’s aging population.