2021

This study investigated the impact of study habits on academic performance of students in public junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and examined. The study adopted a descriptive survey design.The population for this study consisted of all the students in public junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. There are 7,676 students in public junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State with 13 public junior secondary schools (Source: Post Primary Education Board, 2019/2020 Session). A total of four (4) selected junior secondary schools were sampled through the thirteen (13) public junior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.The selected schools include: Ihogbe College, Edokpolor Grammar School, Oredo Girls secondary school, Adesuwa Grammar Girls School. A sample of 200 students from the public junior secondary schools was used for this study. Fifty (50) students were selected from each of the four (4) secondary schools. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. An analysis of data was done using simple percentage and frequency count. The findings from the study include that the elements of study habits of students in Public
Junior Secondary Schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State include note taking, reading schedule, time management, teacher consultation and concentration during the hours of study. Findings from the study also indicated that reading schedule with a t-value of 18.548 is the element that mostly predicts students’ academic performance. This is followed by time management (6.010), note taking (3.875), teacher consultation (3.445) and concentration during hours of study (3.224). The researcher concluded that there exist a relationship between study habits and students’ academic performance in Public Junior Secondary Schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Some of the recommendations made include that Group guidance should be organized in schools by professional counselors in order to create awareness on how students can develop effective study habits which could lead to good academic performance. It was also recommended that the teachers should teach the students on how to take important note during every lesson. By so doing, the students would develop good habit of note taking and this could lead to academic
performance.

The central thrust of reforms in the teacher education programme is to produce teachers who can perform adequately in the world of work and meet the present day challenges. Teaching practice is a vital aspect of the teacher preparatory programme in teacher training institutions and in Faculties of Education in Nigerian universities. It serves as an opportunity for studentteachers to be exposed to the realities of teaching and professional activities in the field of education.

"The Niger Delta is a complex and dynamic sedimentary basin located offshore Nigeria. The Delta
Field within this region has been a significant hydrocarbon producer. Understanding the sequence stratigraphy of this area is crucial for exploration and production activities. This study aims to analyze the stratigraphic framework, depositional environments, and sequence architecture of the Delta Field using well logs, seismic data, and core samples. By integrating these data, we aim to identify the key stratigraphic units, depositional sequences, and their correlation across the field. This research will provide valuable insights into the geological history and hydrocarbon potential of the Niger Delta, aiding in future exploration and reservoir characterization efforts."

Schiff bases and their complexes are versatile compounds synthesized from the condensation of an amino compound with carbonyl compounds and widely used for industrial purposes and also exhibit a broad range of biological activities including antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiproliferative, anti inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. Many Schiff base complexes show excellent ca alytic activity in various reactions and in the presence of moisture. Over the past few years, there have been many reports on their applications in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The high thermal and moisture stabilities of many Schiff base complexes were useful attributes for their application as catalysts in reactions involving at high temperatures. The activity is usually increased by complexation therefore to understand the properties of both ligands and metal can lead to the synthesis of highly active compounds. The influence of certain metals on the biological activity of these compounds and their intrinsic chemical interest as multidentate ligands has prompted a considerable increase in the study of their coordination behaviour. Development of a new chemotherapeutic Schiff bases and their metal complexes is now attracting the attention of medicinal chemists.

Meat is a nutritive-rich food that contributes vital protein, vitamins and minerals to higher bioavailability than other food sources thereby making it a suitable medium for the growth of microorganisms which serve as a great source of meat contamination and food borne disease. Among the various microorganism that are implicated with meat contamination, staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent as it a natural floral in skin and nasal cavity of humans and animal. Due to the unhygienic practices from meat handlers, from the abattoirs to the market places and also vehicles which are in most cases unclean and unfit
to convey meat and meat products. This study was conducted to access staphylococcus aureus from raw beef sold in open markets in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total amounts of 45 samples were collected from the meat, tables and knives. Where the meat samples were collected into a sterile container and the table top and knife sample were collected using a sterile swabs. From 5 different markets in benin city, 26 S. aureus isolates were obtained and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test using the Kirby-bauer disc diffusion method . The result of the prevalence staphylococcus aureus from the meat,table ans knife sample
were [2/15 (13.3%)], [12/15 (80%)] and [12/15 (80%)] respectively. Having Gentamycin (n=5, 100%) the most effective antimicrobial where all isolates were susceptible to it. Followed by Erythromycin and Nitrofurantoin (n=5, 60%). Although, these isolates also shows resistance to Cefepime (100%) followed by penicillin (80%). Unhygienic practices of meat handlers such as dirty hands, unfit display tables and cutting tools and also improper handling of meat products triggers a very high level of S. aureus in open markets which may eventually affects the health of the consumers. Hygiene sanitary practice is recommended in meat market to prevent the consumers from the risk of acquiring these diseases.

Unemployment and inflation are major forerunners of underdevelopment in developing countries. Agriculture was known to be one of the major contributors to national development. The economic burden of unemployment and inflation on a country necessitates this study. The objectives of the study were to examine the dimension and linkage between agricultural growth and inflation and also unemployment and to evaluate the effect of inflation and unemployment on agricultural production in Nigeria. Time series data were employed for the study from the year 1981-2019 (38yrs).the research compiled data from the Central
Bank of Nigeria(CBN)statistical bulletin, Nigeria Bureau of Statistics(NBS),International Financial Statistics and data files,CIA World
Factbook and International Monetary Fund’s.(IMF).the project utilized the Ordinary Least Square(OLS) model were the analytical tool used, it shows that agricultural output, unemployment and inflation are related. Some of the recommendations given are that agriculture in Nigeria should be given a top priority and that government bodies should encourage the poor farmers by absorbing the excess inventory of agricultural output in order to distribute it to the total populace and thus increase in agricultural production will create more employment, reduces inflation and as a result alleviate poverty.

The study investigated stock market synchronization and market volatility in Nigeria for a period of 11 years (2009 to 2019). The rationale for the present study is predicated on the fact that the stock market play a significant role in the economy of every country across the globe. The study employed the regression analysis techniques on variables such as all share index (ASI), treasury bill rate (TBR), broad money supply (M2), oil price (OP) and exchange rate (EXRT). The empirical results revealed that; treasury bill rate (TBR) has a negative in significant effect on all share index in Nigeria within the period of investigation; broad money supply has a positive insignificant effect on all share index in Nigeria; Oil price(OP)exert significant and favourable impact on all share index in Nigeria; and exchange rate has a negative significant impact on all share index in Nigeria. The study recommends among others that; the Nigerian monetary authority should ensure exchange rate stability so as to encourage rate capital inflows in the economy; to ensure effective expansionary monetary policy in the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria should strengthen the financial system so that broad money supply in circulation can contribute significantly to the performance of the capital market; and appropriate monetary measures should be undertaken to ensure stock price synchronization in order to the performance of the stock market in Nigeria.

Spondias mombin is a plant used in various medicinal practices and varieties of traditional medicinal practitioners employ it as a raw material in phytomedicine. The aim of the study is to evaluate the antimicrobial sensitivity, antioxidant activity and the mineral profiling of the stem bark of Spondias mombin plant. The quantitative estimation of the phytochemical compound and the proximate analysis was done using a well-established method. The phytochemical and proximate analysis of the ethanolic extract of Spondias mombin revealed the presence of metabolites and compounds such as carbohydrate (74.404), crude protein (3.563 ±0.6), flavonoid (16.500µg/ml), saponin (17.868 µg/ml) tannin (26.346 µg/ml), alkaloid (0.8%). Theproximate analysis gave a moisture content of (38.20 ± 1.56) and ash content of (11.46±0.27). Some of the compounds identified in the phytochemical analysis were found to possess anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-ageing properties, protection against allergies, ache and joint
pain reduction etc. The mineral constituents were also evaluated using a well-established method: sodium (0.80), potassium (65.00), calcium (2.100), magnesium (2.460), manganese (72.85), copper (0.200), zinc (0.100), iron (1.500), nitrogen (0.570) and the ascorbic acid was analyzed using a spectrophotometer, which revealed a high vitamin C content of (1664.714). The antimicrobial activity was checked against some selected bacteria and fungi which revealed high antimicrobial activity against the selected test organisms hence Spondias mombin stem bark and its bioactive chemicals are effective in treating various illness and these studies therefore support its traditional medicinal use

This study examined the impact of financial liberalization on bank performance in Nigeria for the period of 1981-2019. The main objective of this research work is to examine the impact of financial liberalization on bank performance in Nigeria. The study used Error Correction Mechanism (ECM) to examine the relationship between financial liberalization and bank performance in Nigeria. The study found that the level of financial deepening is positively and significantly related to the real interest rate. Also, money supply is positively and significantly related to the real interest rate. Also, private sector credit was found to be negatively and significantly related to the real interest rate. Finally, loan-deposit ratio is positively related to the real interest rate, it had no significant impact. The study recommends that due consideration should be given to the private sector lending which was one of the variables used to capture financial liberalization in Nigeria. Also, in order to enhance financial deepening (M2/GDP)
contribution to banks profitability in Nigeria, government policy should therefore be geared towards strategically increasing money supply and promoting efficient capital market that will enhance overall economic efficiency, create and expand liquidity, mobilize saving, enhance capital accumulation, transfer resources from traditional
sector to growth inducing sectors (such as manufacturing and industry, agriculture and services sectors) and also promote competent entrepreneurial response in various sectors of the economy. However, it is pertinent to ensure that it (money supply) does not lead to financial excessiveness.

Ecological study of seasonal distribution of weeds in oil palm plantation at Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, was carried out during therainyand dry seasons of 2020. Quadrats measuring 10 m2 were laid at random and informationontheweed species were gathered and used to generate diversity indices as well as other ecological statistics. During the dry season the taxa ranged from 27 - 50, individual abundance (376–2821), Dominance_D (0.1819 – 0.4248), Simpson index (0.5752 – 0.962), Shannon Wiener idex(1.469 – 3.468), Evenness index (0.132 - 0.7635), Brillouin (1.437 – 3.268), Menhinickindex(0.7073 – 2.116), Margalef index (3.569 – 6.914), Equitability (0.4301 – 0.9278), Fisher_alpha(4.705 – 8.632), Berger-Parker (0.07979 – 0.6424) and Chao-1 was (27.38 – 50.5). In termsofmost abundant species, density, relative density and importance index value in dry seasonindecreasing order were Poaceae > Selaginellaceae > Arecaceae > Melastomataceae>Bromeliaceae > Asteraceae. Diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae>Fabaceae = Rubiaceae = Malvaceae > Amaranthaceae = Connaraceae > Acanthaceae=Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae = Gentianaceae with 7, 6, 5, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2 species respectively. While in the rainy season taxa ranged from32- 57, individuals (312 – 2178), Dominance, Simpson, Shannon Weiner, Evenness, Brillouin, Menhinick, Margalef and Equitability indices were (0.04491 – 0.4904; 0.5096 – 0.9551; 1.488–3.454; 0.10390 – 586; 1.426 – 3.284; 0.7037 – 2.887; 4.061 – 8.706) respectively. Equitability(0.4182 – 0.866), Fisher_alpha (5.373 – 17.31), Berger-Parker (0.1197 – 0.6944) and Chao-1were(32 – 62.08) respectively. In terms of most abundant species, density, relative densityandabstractimportance value index in rainy season, six weed families namely Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Rubiaceae and Connaraceae were predominant. Similarly, the most diverse families in decreasing order were Poaceae > Asteraceae, = Fabaceae, > Rubiaceae, =Malvacee, > Connaraceae = Amaranthaceae, > Acanthaceae = Cyperaceae = Euphorbiaceae=Gentianaceae = Polypodiaceae = Tiliaceae with 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 3, 3, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2 and 2speciesrespectively.The knowledge of weed flora will enable us to know the appropriate methodtoeliminate them from our agricultural farms to reduce competition with our valuable crops