UGHIOVHE ANTHONY ENIKE

This study examined Substance Abuse: Its Effects Amongst the Youth in Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The survey research design was adopted for this study because data were collected from a sample population with specific characteristics. Five research questions were formulated and answered using simple percentage analysis. The population of the study comprised youths residing in Ekosodin Community, and from this population, a total of 100 respondents were selected as the sample using a random sampling technique. The instrument used to collect data for the study was a twenty-five-item self-structured questionnaire. Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that substance abuse has significant negative effects on the physical health, academic performance, social behavior, and psychological well-being of youths in Ekosodin Community. The study revealed that peer pressure, unemployment, family instability, and easy access to drugs are major factors contributing to substance abuse among youths. Furthermore, the findings indicated that substance abuse leads to increased crime rates, school dropouts, health complications, and social disintegration within the community. The implications of the study highlight the need for urgent intervention through public awareness campaigns, youth empowerment programmes, and stronger law enforcement against drug trafficking and abuse. It was also emphasized that schools, parents, and community leaders have a crucial role to play in sensitizing and monitoring the youth. The study recommends that government and non- governmental organizations should intensify efforts in establishing rehabilitation centres, promoting skill acquisition programmes, and creating job opportunities for youths. Additionally, there should be continuous community-based education on the dangers of substance abuse, strict enforcement of drug control laws, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders to curb the menace and promote the overall well-being of the youths in Ekosodin Community

This study investigated the influence of domestic violence on students’ academic
performance among undergraduates of the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. The
research was motivated by growing concerns over how various forms of domestic
violence physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic affect students’ concentration, motivation, and overall academic success. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a structured questionnaire administered to 100 randomly selected undergraduate students across different faculties and academic levels. Data were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that domestic violence is prevalent among university students, with emotional and physical abuse being the most common forms experienced. The results further indicated that exposure to domestic violence significantly impairs students’ academic performance by reducing concentration, increasing absenteeism, and leading to emotional distress, poor grades, and loss of motivation. It was also observed that female students and those from low-income or traditional family backgrounds are more vulnerable to domestic violence compared to their counterparts. The study found that demographic factors such as gender, socio-economic status, and cultural norms influence both the occurrence and reporting of violence. Furthermore, the study highlighted the critical role of social workers in addressing
domestic violence through counseling, advocacy, awareness creation, and policy
intervention. It concluded that domestic violence not only threatens students’ emotional
and psychological well-being but also undermines academic performance and social
development. Based on these findings, the study recommended that the University of Benin and other
higher institutions should establish functional counseling and social work units, conduct
regular awareness and sensitization programs, enforce anti-violence policies, and provide
economic empowerment opportunities for vulnerable students. The study contributes to
the growing body of knowledge by emphasizing that domestic violence is not only a
social problem but also an educational challenge that requires a multidisciplinary
response involving educators, policymakers, and social work professionals.