2024

The study investigated the debt-equity mix and performance of deposit money banks in Nigeria. Panel data analysis technique was adopted using both preliminary analysis and multiple least square regressions to estimate the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. A sample of five deposit money banks from the Nigerian stock exchange was selected between the period of 2010-2017 based on available data. Based on the analysis carried out the study recommends amongst others that management should try as much as possible to finance their operations using equity and reduce their debt uptake in order to improve their performance.

The main goal of this research was to explore the effectiveness of slow pyrolysis of sawdust in generating high-quality biochar with beneficial characteristics for different uses, such as soil improvement and water purification. By adjusting the pyrolysis temperature and duration, the study sought to identify the ideal conditions for producing biochar with improved physicochemical properties. Sawdust, an abundant byproduct of the timber industry, underwent slow pyrolysis in a low-oxygen environment. The process was carried out at various temperatures, ranging from400°Cto700°C, to evaluate how temperature affects both the yield and characteristics of the resulting biochar. The produced biochar was analyzed through several techniques, such as surface area measurement, pH analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, iodine number assessment, and yield percentage evaluation. The research revealed that slow pyrolysis of sawdust produced high-quality biochar with desirable characteristics. The biochar showed elevated carbon content, a porous structure, and an almost neutral pH, making it well-suited for use in agriculture and water purification. Both laboratory and field experiments confirmed that biochar effectively enhanced soil quality, boosted water retention, and improved nutrient availability. The research also showed that up to 55% of the material could be converted into solid biochar, while the rest was produced as bio-oil and syngas. These results emphasize the sustainable and versatile advantages of utilizing slow pyrolysis of sawdust for biochar production.

The study looks at the impact of consumer attitudes on insurance sales contracts in Benin Metropolis, Edo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was sent across eight departments of the University of Benin's Faculty of Management Sciences in Benin City to collect primary data. Of the 110 questionnaires distributed, 100 were returned. We employed percentage analysis for demographic data, descriptive statistics for average responses to questions, and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression method to determine the impact of customer attitudes and other variables consider on insurance contract sales. The finding reveals that consumers’ attitude, employment and income have significant effect on insurance contract sales in Benin metropolis at 1%and5%level respectively (except for income). Thus, the study concludes that consumers’ attitudes affect insurance contract sales in Benin metropolis of Edo state, Nigeria.

Yoruba folksongs, deeply ingrained within the oral customs of the Yoruba community, hold immense value as preservers of cultural legacy, language customs, and communal principles. This study is an attempt to carry out an ethnographic analysis on Yoruba folksongs, with the motivation of understanding the rich dimension of the Yoruba folksongs. The data for this study were collected using the oral interview method, from native speakers, these data include different folksongs in Yoruba. The ethnography of communication theory is used as the guiding theoretical framework for the study. The analysis reveals that these songs are primarily utilized in settings such as the home, palace, or community, serving as vehicles for the transmission of linguistic norms and values. Yoruba folksongs are characterized by metaphorical expressions that offer insights into societalnorms, history, and collective knowledge. They are often used for praising individuals, including royalty, employing high-status language to describe esteemed figures. Through metaphor and symbolism, folksongs convey the mood, thoughts, and locations associated with celebrated actions, enriching the understanding of societal dynamics within the Yoruba community

Youth participation in politics remains pivotal in the sustenance of a nation’s democracy. Participation does not only ensure that government performs its duties, but also guarantees the rights of ordinary people to participate in their community development. Activities such as voting in an election, sponsoring a candidate, petitioning or participating in a protest are forms of political participation that influence public policy directly or indirectly through affecting the selection process of those who govern the people. The study attempted to examine the impacts of the youths on democratic process in Edo State: A case study of 2023 general elections. The study interrogated the following research questions: What was the level of the youths’ turnout during the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the different ways the youths participated in the 2023 general election in Edo State? What were the youths’ patterns of voting in 2023 general elections in Edo State? Did the youths indulge in electoral violence in the 2023 general election in Edo State? In what ways can youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State and Nigeria be improved? Theoretically, the study utilized the system theory to explain youth political participation and democratic process in Edo State during the 2023 general election. Methodologically, the study surveyed 392 respondents in Oredo Local Government Area through a structured questionnaire. The study made the following key findings. The first finding was that there was massive youths’ turnout during the general election in Edo State. The second finding was that the youths participated in the elections by joining the INEC team as ad hoc staff, sensitizing the people on how to locate their voting centers and ways to vote in the election and campaigning for their preferred candidates. The third finding shows the patterns for which the youths voted during the 2023 general elections in Edo State. In that order, the pattern were voting to safeguard the future of Edo State and Nigeria’s democracy as well as foster national development, voting based on religion, personality of the candidates, ethnicity and political party. The last finding shows that the youths were also involved in various forms of electoral violence such as voter inducement, ballot box snatching and thuggery. The study therefore recommends that the government should create an enabling environment that can stimulate youths’ participation in the Nigeria’s democratic process, implement the various policies such as ‘Not Too Yong Run’ should be speedily implemented, need for proper sensitization of the Nigerian youths on the need to participate in politics and criminal elements are not good for the growth and development of any country.

‘’Whispers of Wisdom: Patriarchal influence on future generations ‘’ is a painting project that explores the relationship between the elder and younger generations, focusing on the transfer of knowledge, experience, and life lessons. The artwork portrays an old man offering guidance and wisdom to a group of youths, symbolizing the passing of generational advice. This project emphasizes the value of elders in shaping the moral, ethical, and practical direction of the younger generation though storytelling, mentorship, and lived experiences. The project draws from psychological and philosophical theories, such as Erik Erikson’s concept of generativity, which highlights the elder’s role in contributing to the well-being of the next generation. The painting also reflects cultural traditions where elders are revered for their wisdom and insight, providing a visual narrative that calls for reflection on the importance of intergenerational relationships. Using Acrylic on canvas, the painting integrates rich textures and contrasting light to highlight the figure of the old man, symbolizing wisdom, leadership, and guidance. Through symbolism, such as a book and staff held by the elder, the painting conveys themes of knowledge, strength, and legacy. ‘’Whispers of Wisdom: Patriarchal influence on future generations’’ encourages viewers to appreciate the role of elders in their own lives and recognize the impact of wisdom passed down through generations.

Bryophyllum Pinnatum is an indigenous and exotic plant used widely by the traditional Practitioner for treating various ailment like renal calculi, hypertension, asthma, cold abscesses, bleeding disorder. This study was aimed to examine the protective effect of aqueous bryophyllum Pinnatum on Cadmium-induced renal oxidative damages. The kidney which is an integral part of the drug excretory system. It was reported as one of the targets of Cadmium toxicity in the cell include a decrease in cell membrane fluidity. Thirty male adult Wistar rats weighing 150g and 180g were divided into six groups [A,B,C,D,E,F] where group A [serves as Control] receives animal feed [grower mash] with distilled water for 28 days group B [ serves as toxicant] was given 10mg/kg of Cadmium chloride only for 28 days. Group c: receives 200mg/kg of bryophyllum pinnatum daily for 28 days. Group D: receoives 400mg/kg of bryophyllum pinnatum daily for 28 days. Group E: receives 200mg/kg of bryophyllum pinnatum and 10mg/kg of Cadmium chloride daily for 28 days. Group f: receive 400mg/kg of bryophyllum pinnatum and 10mg/kg of cadmium chloride daily for 28 days. Cadmium chloride and bryophyllum pinnatum extract was administered pro-gastric tube [oral gauge]. Biochemical analysis: renal function test was done and the following electrolytes was assayed. Urea test was done, creatinine test was done. The aqueous extract of bryophyllum

The project titled “The effect of admixtures on properties of concrete: case study of sugar cane shaft ash, cow bone ash, groundnut shell ash,” will be carried out with the aim of knowing the effect the of the various types of admixtures used on the properties of concrete, in term of the workability of concrete, durability of concrete and the concrete strength. The material used are cow bone ash, groundnut shell ash, sugar cane shaft ash. The cow bone will be sourced along new Benin market, Edo state and the groundnut shell will be sourced from uselu market. The cow bone will be sun dried after careful separation from flesh, tissues and fats, the ash will be carried out by incinerating the bone at a temperature of 900⁰C in a furnace. Also, the groundnut shell ash will be obtained by burning groundnut shell on an iron sheet in the open air under normal temperature while sugar cane shaft ash. The method adopted will be; batching of concrete materials, mixing of concrete materials, production of cubes, curing of cubes (for 7days, 14days and 28days) while the test carried out during and after the concrete cubes are produced or casted are; sieve analysis test, slump test and compressive strength test. From the sieve analysis test carried out on both fine and coarse aggregates, it will be discovered that the coefficient of uniformity (Cu) obtained are less than 4, hence they are both “well-graded” aggregates. The slump test shows that there is increase in the slump value from sugar cane shaft ash-concrete, GSA-concrete, CBA-concrete and LP-concrete, likewise the compressive strength test increases from sugar cane shaft ash-concrete, GSA-concrete, CBA-concrete and LP-concrete. From the findings, it is evident that the combination of the three admixtures resulted in the highest percentage increase in compressive strength. Additionally, the average maximum strength was achieved when the fine aggregate was replaced by 15% with the admixture. Despite variations in replacement percentages, all samples exhibited compressive strengths that align with the expected design characteristics of concrete, particularly around the target value of 20 KN/mm². The sieve analysis further revealed a well-graded particle size distribution in the fine aggregate samples, indicating suitability for achieving optimal concrete mix designs.

The project titled “Experimental Study on the Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregates with Plastic in the Production of Concretes,” was carried out with the aim of knowing the effect of partially replacing fine aggregates with plastic waste in concrete production. The aim is twofold: to mitigate environmental impact by repurposing plastic waste and to evaluate the performance of plastic-aggregate concrete. Methodologically, various types of plastic waste are selected and processed to suitable sizes for incorporation into concrete mixes. Comprehensive testing is conducted to assess both the fresh and hardened properties of the resulting concrete specimens. Tests include workability assessments using slump tests, as well as mechanical property evaluations such as compressive tests. The spent plastics were gathered, ground into smaller components, pulverized in order to get granules of plastic lower than 4.75mm size. Sieve studies were carried out for particle size distribution. 9 nos. of 10cm x10cm x10 cm cement concrete Cubes of 1:1.5:3 (C25) mix were cast for 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, sand being substituted by Pulverized plastic material. Volumetric proportioning was utilized instead of design mix since the density of plastic material was too low. Workability test, weight and compressive strength of the cubes were determined. The results of the study shows that the slump of the fresh concrete decreased with increase in the replacement of the fine aggregate. This implies that the presence of plastic in the concrete decreased its workability. Also, the control sample, with no replacement, exhibited the highest compressive strength throughout the curing periods of 7, 14, and 28 days. As the percentage of sand replacement increased, there was a noticeable decrease in compressive strength. Notably, the replacement of 5% of sand with plastic material showed a gradual decrease, while beyond 10%, the decrease became more significant. This trend is attributed to the inability of plastic waste aggregate to effectively interact with the cement paste, unlike natural aggregate. Recycling of plastic trash with river sand decreases its negative environmental impact of river sand quarries, reduces the depletion of natural resources Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the replacement of natural sand with plastic waste aggregate in concrete production leads to a reduction in compressive strength. However, the similarity in particle distribution between natural sand and plastic material suggests the potential for utilizing plastic waste as a partial replacement for sand without significant compromise in textural properties.

White Yam and Soya Beans is one of the commonly consumed carbohydrate staples. This work determined the Carbohydrate and Amylopectin content and glycemic index (GI) of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) varying with soya beans (Glycine max). Yam tubers were obtained (peeled, sliced, washed) and beans were also obtained ( washed) then some yam and beans were dried, while some were boiled in water.
The cooked yam and beans sample were eaten by 1 individual about the age of 23. A glucometer was used to measure the blood glucose concentrations of the test individual before consuming the yam and beans diets and after the 15 th, 30th, 45th, 60th, and 90th, of consumption which was found to be 108mg/dl, 142mg/dl, 150mg/dl, 145mg/dl,120mg/dl, while for that of soya beans to be 91mg/dl, 105mg/dl, 115mg/dl, 100mg/dl and 111mg/dl. The average incremental area under the curve (IAUC) obtained from the recorded blood concentrations were used to calculate the GI of various White Yam and Soya Beans diets and the combinatrion of both is 210mg/dl for White yam and 585mg/dl for Soya Beans.