Examining the Effectiveness of Faith-Based Organisations in Child Welfare Programming in South West Nigeria

Faith-based organisations are among the most significant providers of child welfare services in Nigeria, yet their effectiveness relative to secular development organisations and government agencies is empirically under-examined. This study examines the effectiveness of faith-based child welfare programmes in South West Nigeria, comparing outcomes and programme quality across religious and non-religious providers. A comparative analytical design was adopted, examining twelve child welfare programmes from three categories: church-based FBOs, secular NGOs, and government social welfare programmes across Lagos, Ogun, and Osun States. Programme effectiveness was assessed through child wellbeing outcome indicators, beneficiary satisfaction, programme sustainability, and community integration, using a mixed evidence framework combining quantitative outcome data with qualitative case studies. Results indicate that church-based FBOs show significantly higher beneficiary satisfaction and community trust scores than secular counterparts, attributed to their relational and values-driven service models. Child wellbeing outcomes are broadly comparable across provider types when programme funding levels are controlled. However, FBOs show lower programme evaluation and documentation standards, limiting evidence-based learning. The study fills an empirical gap in the comparative effectiveness literature on faith-based child welfare provision in Nigeria and recommends that church-based FBOs adopt systematic outcome monitoring practices while maintaining their relational and values-driven service advantages.

Keywords: faith-based organisations, child welfare, programme effectiveness, South West Nigeria, comparative analysis