A sociological medico-legal investigation on surrogacy in Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State and Oyedele & Co, Abuja.

Master of Social Science in Sociology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2017.Up until recently adoption is basically the only alternative to infertility, however with the advancement in medical technology, it is now possible to procreate through various channels in assisted reproductive technologies. It is noted that the development of surrogacy as an assisted reproductive technique has brought to fore contentious issues about the definition of motherhood, parenthood and the sacredness and cultural sanctity of the family system most especially in an African context. Suffix to say that surrogate arrangement flickers ethical, medical, psychological and socio-cultural concerns that needs to be examined, understood and addressed. This research is a sociological medico-legal investigation of surrogacy in Nigeria that investigates the medical, legal and cultural trepidations eminent in the practice and growth of surrogacy as an assisted reproductive technique through an explorative qualitative lens. The research sample are spread across three categories within the society which are: gynecologist, traditional birth attendant and legal professionals. The research interviewed 20 participants across these categories. The findings of the study revealed that, the growth of surrogacy within the Nigerian context has been hampered by socio-cultural, religious and traditional sentiments that has hitherto manifested itself in gender stereotypes, social stigmatization and prejudice towards fertility as well as the conceptualization of womanhood and family system. It is evident from the findings that the absence of legislation about surrogacy in Nigeria has given way to several vices such as baby farming and the commodification of women and children. The research discusses the medical concerns prioritizing the essence of surrogate practice; brings to fore the socio-cultural and religious narratives surrounding the practice; and, emphasizes the need for appropriate legislations to avoid exploitation, commodification of women and children and address the controversies around fertility treatment in Nigeria

Women’s sexual agency and use of traditional aphrodisiacs in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria

Abstract: The desire to enhance sexual pleasure and satisfaction, ensure fidelity in relationships and treat sexual dysfunctions are some of the common factors attributed to the use of traditional aphrodisiacs in Nigeria. However, its connection to women’s sexual agency and empowerment in intimate relationships has become a very popular and fundamental issue debated within the sociology of intimate relationships. Against this background, this study investigated women’s sexual agency and the use of traditional aphrodisiacs (kayan mata) in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative design to understand why women use traditional aphrodisiacs, to identify the most popularly used aphrodisiacs, to understand how women’s use of these traditional aphrodisiacs influences their sexual agency and familial relationships, and to gain a deeper insight into men’s perceptions of women’s use of traditional aphrodisiacs. Drawing from the arguments of selected African feminists on sexuality and family/relationship dynamics, this study advances arguments that African women across history and cultures use various strategies and initiatives for circumventing and negotiating subjugating patriarchal strictures of gender and thus gain a position of significance within familial and intimate terrains. In this research, the theoretical arguments of the social exchange theory provide a framework to examine the nature of sex as transactional in the use of traditional aphrodisiacs and how it is negotiated within intimate relationships...D.Litt. et Phil. (Sociology

The lived experiences of postgraduate female students at the University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban, South Africa

Abstract: Gender and educational equality have been extensively debated by scholars in South Africa, researchers have failed to capitalize on why enthusiastic postgraduate female students have a higher dropout rate than their male counterparts. This study has capitalized on this vacuity, via a phenomenological lens, to examine the challenges experienced by female postgraduate students at University of KwaZulu-Natal. This study presents the lived ex- periences of ten female postgraduate honours students from University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2017. The study sought to research the learner's impetus to pursue postgraduate studies and the limitations eminent during the process. The ostensive constraints acknowledged by participants have seeped in socio-cultural beliefs rooted in traditional and religious affirmations, financial impediments and balancing their educational pursuit with traditional role expectations within their gendered familial domain. This study advances the requirement to critique the socio-cultural principles that impede females' succession in postgraduate studies while simultaneously engaging in discourse on the concealed practices in higher educational institutions separating students based on gender

Maternal mortality and maternal health care in Nigeria : implications for socio-economic development

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Even though maternal mortality, which is a pregnancy-related death is preventable, it has continued to increase in many nations of the world, especially in the African countries of the sub-Saharan regions caused by factors which include a low level of socioeconomic development. AIM: This paper focuses on cogent issues affecting maternal mortality by unpacking its precipitating factors and examining the maternal health care system in Nigeria. METHODS: Contemporary works of literature were reviewed, and the functionalist perspective served as a theoretical guide to examine the interrelated functions of several sectors of the society to the outcome of maternal mortality. RESULTS: It was noted that apart from the medical related causes (direct and indirect) of maternal mortality, certain socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the outcome of pregnancy. Also, a poor health care system, which is a consequent of weak social structure, is a contributing factor. CONCLUSION: As a result, maternal mortality has debilitating effects on the socioeconomic development of any nation. It is therefore pertinent for the government to improve maternal health and eradicate poverty to ensure sustainable development

Social capital and its effect on business performance in the Nigeria informal sector

Abstract: This study was aimed at investigating the effect of internal and external social capital on the financial and non- financial performance of businesses in the Nigerian informal sector. The study further investigated the controlling role of firm age. A cross-sectional survey of 650 informal business owners in the Ikeja region of Lagos state, Nigeria was carried out. The analysis was carried out using the partial least square method of the structural equation model (SEM). Findings revealed that without the controlling variable of firm age, social capital had a significant effect on business performance, internal social capital had a significant effect on non-financial per- formance, it, however, had no significant effect on financial performance, while external social capital had no significant effect on financial and non-financial performance. With the controlling variable of firm age, social capital had a significant effect on business performance, internal social capital had a significant effect on financial and non-financial performance, while external social capital had no significant effect on financial and non- performance. The study, therefore, recommended that informal entrepreneurs take advantage of their internal social capital resources and also try to build their external social capital as they may become vital for their business success

Shame, stigma, and social exclusion: The lived experiences of epileptic patients in a health facility in Ilorin, Nigeria

Background The highest number of persons living with epilepsy (PLWE) are in Africa and the majority live in deplorable conditions, while dealing with varying layers of stigma, social exclusion, and discrimination. Objective This study explored the lived experiences of PLWE in Ilorin. Methods Adopting a qualitative design and a phenomenological lens, 10 PLWE between the ages of 18 and 60 were purposively selected from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) for in-depth interviews. Results Findings suggest that PLWE bear multiple and intersecting burdens, including physical injuries; institutional, cultural, and economic constraints; psychological strain; social exclusion; and stigma. These disadvantages are often sustained and reproduced by various assumptions about epilepsy; as such, PLWE conceal their condition, and this implicatively reinforce stigma. Difficulty sustaining intimate relationships, overt physical scars, and inferiority complexes are recurrent challenges for PLWE. The study showed that adherence to drugs, self-management, personal precautions towards seizure signs, and family support are important coping strategies. Conclusion The study recommends that it is imperative to enhance and sustain systems, processes, and attitudes that prioritise the physical, social, and emotional needs of PLWE, because this is significant for their enhanced quality of life (QoL)