2023

This study was conducted to examine the preservatives and pesticide usage in some sawmills in Ovia North East Local Government Area Benin City. This study adopted purposive sampling techniques. Data collection, involved field survey and the field survey involved using questionnaires to collect data in conformity with the objectives. The survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as, frequency distribution table, mean, and percentages. The majority (98%) of the respondents were male and the age distribution showed a predominance of relatively young workers. Most (63.1%) of the workers were married, and the educational distribution of respondents shows that the largest group has completed senior secondary school (34.5%), Work experience was also diverse, with a substantial number of experienced workers in the industry. Khaya spp (Mahogany), Milicia excelsa (Iroko), Triplochiton scleroxylon (Obeche), and Lovoa trichilioides (African Walnut) were among the most commonly supplied species. The source of timber supply to the sawmill indicated a higher percentage from natural forests and from another sawmill. While using naturally rot-resistant wood was a common method of treatment, the presence of wood- attacking insects of the order: Isoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera posed challenges to wood preservation. Chemical preservatives like Solignum and Attack were widely used. Pesticides and preservatives are used to protect wood products against these insect attacks, thus extending their lifespan. The method of application of preservatives and pesticides showed that brushing and spraying were the most prevalent methods. Based on the study and results obtained, the following recommendations are suggested: Sawmill operators should explore and adopt environmentally friendly wood preservation methods, such as heat treatment, borate-based preservatives, and naturally rot-resistant wood species. This will help minimize environmental impacts and enhance the industry's eco-friendliness.

Academic performance of students in universities has been associated with underlying problems, one of which is that of students’ stress. This study therefore aims to determine the influence of stress on the academic performance of undergraduates in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. In order to carry out the task, four research questions were raised and one hypothesis formulated which was tested at 0.05 level of significance. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The population of the study comprised 6576 undergraduates. The data was collected using simple random technique and a sample size of 380 undergraduate students from the eight (8) departments in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin city, was used for the study. The research instrument used for the study was a self-structured questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was subjected to scrutiny and the test-retest reliability technique was used to ascertain its reliability. The correlation coefficient computed was 0.82 indicating that the instrument was reliable. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentages and means, while chi-square statistics was used to test the hypothesis. Results revealed that undergraduate students of University of Benin were having stressed times in certain areas of their academic life such as: overall study habits, organizing time, listening and taking notes, writing test/examinations, financial concerns/hardships, campus environment, and course requirements. Majority (66.6%) of the respondents reported to have high stress levels while, the stress level for 18.9% of the respondents is moderate and for 14.5% of the respondents, it is low. The chi-square test carried out confirmed that there is a significant relationship between students’ stress levels and their academic performance in the University of Benin. In conclusion, students have to set priorities in light of their resources to avoid stressful situations. Recommendations were made that stress intervention programs be designed to address stress of University students. Coping strategies that deals with one's own thoughts and feelings can be facilitated by accessible professional and peer counselling, student support groups, and adequate course advising. Also, students themselves must develop effective study habits by giving appropriate time that must fulfil the demand of their course.

The study was carried out to determine the antagonistic activity of Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. against microorganisms responsible for disease or spoilage of potato. Diseased/spoilt potato tubers were obtained from open markets in Benin City. Standard microbiological techniques were employed for isolation of bacteria and fungi from diseased/spoilt potato tubers. Bacteria and fungi were enumerated using pour plate method. Cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics were employed for identification of the isolates. Pathogenicity tests were used to evaluate the involvement of the isolates in the spoilage or disease of potato tubers. Biocontrol or antagonistic activity was carried out for the spoilage-causing microbes which were Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. using Potato dextrose agar and Mueller Hinton agar. The results revealed that the heterotrophic bacterial counts for spoilt/diseased potato ranged from log10 3.65±0.41 cfu/g (Uselu market) to log10 4.02±0.25 cfu/g (Aduwawa Market), while the fungal counts ranged from log10 3.57±0.30 cfu/g (Aduwawa market) to log10 3.85±0.10 cfu/g (Uselu market). The cultural morphological and biochemical characteristics of bacterial isolates from spoilt potato revealed their identity as; Erwinia sp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp. and Staphylococcus aureus while the fungal isolates from spoilt potato were Aspergillus sp., Rhizopus sp. and Penicillium sp.. The pathogenicity or spoilage test of isolated microorganisms from spoilt to healthy potato tubers showed that only Erwinia sp. and Aspergillus sp. were found to induce disease or spoilage condition in potato tubers. The in vitro antagonism (percentage inhibition) of Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma viridia on growth of Aspergillus sp. and Erwinia sp. showed that Trichoderma viridia had more biocontrol effect on growth of Aspergillus (50%) and Erwinia (47%) after 5 days of culture on growth media. In conclusion, Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. exhibited significant antagonistic activity against potato soft rot pathogens. The study identifies Erwinia sp. and Aspergillus sp. as key contributors to potato spoilage. Trichoderma viride demonstrates a notable biocontrol effect, inhibiting the growth of Aspergillus sp. and Erwinia sp.. These findings reveals the potential of Trichoderma viride and Bacillus sp. as promising biocontrol agents for mitigating potato soft rot, offering sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for potato cultivation and storage.

Storage and display of textiles are as important as creating the textiles it self. The longitive of textiles depends on how well it has been stored, handled and preserved, also to appreciate properly a good textile produce it has to be displayed in the right manner to be appealing to the human sense of sight. This research is aimed at tackling the problem of storage and display of textiles in the textile unit, which will help improve the lifespan of textiles produced, protecting them from factors that damage textiles and also help showcase the beautiful textiles done in the university of Benin by the textile unit of the department of fine and applied art. The major aim of this research is to provide specially adapted compartments for the display and storage of textiles through construction. The concept of the compartments are gotten from comparative studies of various display and storage compartments in art museums, galleries and other higher institutions with a textile unit. It is hoped that the specially adapted compartments for storage and display of textiles will be useful in reducing fabric damage and help display textiles properly for it's beauty to be appreciated

This study was carried out analyse the use of Visual aids in teaching Biology in Senior Secondary Schools in Benin metropolis. The research was carried out as survey research using relevant literature from journals, magazines, books and the internet. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The researcher made effort in analysing the extent of the availability of visual materials in senior secondary schools, constraints faced by teachers in the use of visual aids in the teaching of Biology and effective usage of visual aids by Biology teachers. The random sampling technique was used in selecting schools. 50 Biology teachers that were purposively selected from Senior secondary schools in Egor Local, Oredo and Ikpoba okha Government Area, Edo state. These Local Government Areas are part of Benin Metropolis. The data were collected with the questionnaire instrument and analyzed using simple percentage. The result revealed that; Most visual materials for teaching Biology are not available in Senior Secondary Schools in Benin metropolis, predominate challenges faced by Biology teachers in the use of visual aids are, Irregular power supply, overpopulation, finance, high cost of visual aids and poor implementation of the Biology curriculum. And Biology teachers in the schools of study, make use of available visual materials like maps. Educational charts, models, pictures and textbooks for teaching. based on the results, it was recommended that, education stakeholders in the country should finance provision of computers, power generating sets, Audio Visual Aids, and expand teaching aids in all secondary schools. This will enhance the use of Audio-Visual aids in the teaching and learning of Biology, Biology teachers should be trained and retrained in the proper use and handling of instructional materials to bring about desirable learning outcomes and Based on the challenges teachers are facing in the use of audio visual aids, regular power supply or an alternative source of power should be provided for the schools, schools. As this will be a motivating force to drive teachers in the use.

In recent years, social media platforms have become an integral part of our daily lives, significantly influencing various aspects of society, including education. This work focuses on the relationship between social media and the University of Benin (UNIBEN) students, specifically examining their use of and dependence on digital marketing. The objective of this study is to explore how social media platforms have transformed the marketing landscape for UNIBEN students and to assess their dependence on digital marketing strategies. The study employed the use of a survey research method to gather data. Structured administered questionnaire was distributed among a representative of UNIBEN students to collect data. The study showed that UNIBEN students heavily rely on social media platform forms for communication, information sharing, and engagement with brands, leading to a high dependence on digital marketing strategy. The findings contribute to the existing body of knowledge on the impact of social media on university students, shedding light on the effectiveness of digital marketing strategies in reaching and influencing a targeted audience. The implications of this research are substantial, as, they help companies and sellers to plan effective strategies to engage specific target audiences. It also assists university students in leveraging social media platforms to enhance their marketing efforts, improve student engagement, and foster a sense of connectivity with sellers. Overall, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between social media and UNIBEN students, highlighting the extent to which they depend on digital marketing strategies, this research will also help shape future researchers on social media marketing as an effective tool for digital marketing practice.

Extracts from different parts of the Newbouldia laevis plant (leaves, stem bark and roots bark), have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, nociceptive and anti inflammatory properties. Previous experiments carried out have shown that the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark have anti- inflammatory. But none of these studies have ascertained the IOP reducing effect of the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark of the Newbouldia laevis plant in the eyes which was studied in this investigative work. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis leaves, stems, and roots on physically induced corneo-conjunctival inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits were used for this study and these rabbits were grouped into six ranging from group A through to group F. Each of the six experimental groups was treated with different extract (leaf, stem, or root) of Newbouldia laevis, while the control group was treated with sterile water. From the study, it was found that all three extracts (leaf, stem, and root) were effective in reducing corneal inflammation and increased IOP, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. ANOVA analysis used on the study showed the statical significant values (p < 0.005 was taken to be statistically significant) of the various treatments for corneal inflammation, ranging from group A- C having p values of: 0.002, 0.001,0.265, respectively and induced IOP having p values of: 0.002, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. During the course of this study, the leaf extract was found to be the most potent in the treatment of both the inflammation and induced IOP.

INTRODUCTION: Community pharmacies play a crucial role in providing healthcare services to the general population including students but there is limited research on how this particular demographic perceives and engages community pharmacies. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate university students’ perception towards community pharmacies and their health services in Ekosodin community, Benin City, Edo state. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 university students living in the Ekosodin community. A self-administered questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection and consisted of 3 sections: respondent’s demographics, reasons for/frequency of pharmacy visits and assessment of satisfaction levels and actionable feedback. Collected data were analyzed through both descriptive and inferential statistics using statistical software such as the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). RESULTS: Out of 400 respondents, 344 (86%) identified medicine purchases as the main reason for visiting the community pharmacy. The role of the pharmacist was seen as satisfactory with a mean score of 4.10 (maximum of 5) while commonly expected health screening services were blood pressure measurements and malaria parasite tests (253, 63%). The majority (273, 68.3%) were willing to discuss medicines prescribed for them with the pharmacist with a lack of privacy often cited as the main barrier to communication (239, 59.8%). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the majority of university students were satisfied with the provided health services and perceive community pharmacists as drug experts whom they can willingly discuss medication issues with. However, the lack of privacy in the pharmacy hindered effective communication.

This study examines the role of women in Benin Kingdom using Aro Iden as a case study. This has become necessary because inspite of the tremendous sacrifice made by Queen Iden towards the survival of Benin kingdom, no scholarly study has been done in this regard. The research employed historical method. Oral interviews and personal observation, books, journals, published and unpublished articles and internet sources were also consulted as part of secondary sources of information. The study discovers that Queen Iden’s sacrifice helped shape Benin Kingdom. She was the queen during the reign of Oba Ewuape in about 1700 AD. She is known to have volunteered herself as a sacrificial lamb for the welfare of her husband and that of the entire kingdom.

The traditional view of human tragedy which existed several centuries back in the ancient Greek religious myths was transposed not only to Western Europe but also to the African context in the literary representation of reality in tragedy. This project aims at examining the role of fate in tragedy. It is an evaluation of selected plays by two outstanding playwrights; Ola Rotimi and Wole Soyinka. The research can be used to examine how fate plays a major role in the life of man from the Yoruba point of view. It explored the universal theme of predestination and how it is emphasized in the Yoruba tradition. It also explored how oppressive political regimes, such as dictatorships can shape the fate of individuals and communities. Coming into the world in the West African Nigerian Yoruba metaphysical universe, the tragic personage holds his fate in his own hands. The gods and supernatural beings in the invisible realms claim foreknowledge of the fate which the tragic hero brings into the world, yet does not influence the fate-holder in the winding trail of life to the fulfillment of tragic fate. This research concludes that tragedy occurs as a product of the constant working of fate in the tragic hero which fulfills itself in a tragic conflict through the hero’s free-will, according to the prophecy of the gods in Ola Rotimi’s The gods are not to blame. This is more so in the Aristotelian concept of catharsis in
tragedy due to the interplay between prehistoric fate and historic fate, the latter being the product of the former.