2024

This study investigates the role of entrepreneurship in the economic development in Enugu State, Nigeria. Utilizing a survey research method, data were systematically collected from entrepreneurs, chief executives, managers, and senior staff of five selected small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) out of a total of 18 firms operating within the sector. The research involved a comprehensive methodology, including the administration of structured questionnaires . The sample size of 293 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula and distributed proportionally among the firms to ensure fair representation. Validity and reliability of the research instruments were established through content validity and a test-retest method, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.87. Data analysis was conducted using frequency tables, chi-square, and F-test statistical methods to test the hypotheses. The findings revealed significant
contributions of SMEs to economic development through local raw material utilization, value addition for export, and adherence to business ethics. The study recommends the establishment
of a strict policy framework to enhance entrepreneur-government partnerships, focusing on finance, skill development, and strategic alliances. It also suggests the need for a pragmatic industrial policy to address globalization challenges, prioritizing support for the SME sector, and providing accessible information through agencies like SMEDAN. Contributions to knowledge include highlighting the prerequisites for economic growth, the impact of entrepreneurship on economic development, the importance of government support, and the role of entrepreneurs in exploring untapped economic areas. Future research directions are suggested to examine the impact of entrepreneurship on employment and youth empowerment, the contributions of NERFUND to entrepreneurial development, and the implications of inadequate managerial skills and limited access to finance on the sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures in Nigeria.

This paper explores the social and cultural significance of select songs by Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, a pioneering Fuji musician. Through a critical analysis of his music, this study examine how his songs reflect and shape societal values, cultural norms, and political consciousness in Nigeria. Specifically, I focus on songs that address themes of love, morality, social justice, and political commentary, demonstrating how Barrister's music serves as a platform for social critique, cultural preservation, and community engagement. This research highlights the importance of Fuji music as a cultural expression and its role in shaping Nigerian society, contributing to the understanding of the dynamic relationship between music, culture, and society

The purpose of this study is to investigate the student’s perception of problems militating against effective the learning English language in public secondary school in Oredo educational zone. The design adopted was the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 13 public schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo state,with the total population of 2626,785 students. Simple random technique was adopted with a total number of 250 students. The research instruments used for the study was a questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into two sections. "Section A" was designed to generate personal information of the respondents. While the "Section B" comprises of items on the topic under research. It was constructed to reflect the problem of the study such that the items would be relevant to the purpose of the study. The instrument was reviewed and certified by the project supervisor and two (2) other lecturers in the Department of Educational Foundation. Faculty of Education in University of Benin. Data collected ware analyzed using "test re-test" method for the study. The findings of the study revealed that students they lack concentration in English language because of mother tongue interference; They also the lack qualified teachers; They are influenced by the home background which affects their English language learning; They lack proper classroom and also without classroom necessity and amenities. It was recommended that Students are to take their academic seriously, avoid bad companies, engage actively in class, struggle to assuage the effects of factors they cannot control such as poor background by way of determining to learn and be successful.

This study investigates the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and academic performance among preprimary school children in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used for this study and the population of this study consisted of parents with children in preprimary schools in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State and the sample size of sixty respondents was used for this study. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. The mean and standard deviation were used for data analysis. The research findings revealed diverse socioeconomic backgrounds among parents of preprimary school children in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. While neither socioeconomic status nor parental education alone significantly predicted academic performance, they still had a modest influence on outcomes. The study recommends increasing funding for schools in low-income areas to provide equitable access to educational resources. It suggests implementing educational workshops for parents to enhance their ability to support their children's learning. Advocating for flexible work policies can help parents balance their job responsibilities with active involvement in their children's education. Additionally, targeted academic support programs such as after-school tutoring and enrichment activities should be established to help bridge the academic performance gap among children from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Ultimately, the research seeks to contribute to the development of tailored interventions that support the academic success of all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

This study assesses the impact of small scale businesses on job creation using Ugbowo area in Benin City, Edo State as a case study. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The population comprised of 11, 879 registered SMEs, from which a sample of 99 was determined using the Taro Yamme formula. Respondents were selected using the convenient sampling technique. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive (frequency count, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon signed ranked test) and hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the Cronbach alpha statistics and it yielded a coefficient of 0.85. Results showed that skill development significantly influenced job creation capacity of SMEs (p =.00) and small scale businesses significantly contributed to job creation (p = .02). Challenges faced by SMEs include limited access to skills development and training programs, complex regulatory environment, inadequate infrastructure and access to adequate financing. The study concluded that small-scale businesses significantly contribute to job creation and employment in Benin City, Edo State, however small businesses are faced with challenges in fulfilment of this objective. It recommended that policy-makers should as a matter of necessity address the issue of complex regulatory environment, endevour to prioritize the issue of infrastructural deficits which has plagued the nation for so long, small business owners should avail themselves of opportunities to improve and develop their knowledge and capacity in other to enhance their competitiveness.

Attendance tracking in classes is a very important activity in any institution, and taking attendance of students using facial recognition is a more efficient and accurate method than the traditional methods which includes paper- based and roll call methods. The facial recognition system is an application of computer vision that can perform two major tasks of identifying and verifying a person from a given database. Facial recognition proves to be more effective in taking attendance than the traditional method, which is inaccurate, time- consuming and vulnerable in most cases of large class environments. This system is designed with a login page for authentication, it also provides a mailing platform where the attendance will be sent to the school authority for record keeping. This study develops a deep-learning-based facial recognition system used to detect the face of students in a class environment for the sole purpose of taking their attendance records.

Child trafficking involves the illicit trade of children for various purposes, such as forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Child trafficking is a major problem that still exist both in developed and developing countries around the world including Nigeria.1 The main purpose of this project is to secure the rights of children also known as minors below the age of 18 years, used for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal activities, sales of organs and adoption. International trafficking in Nigeria is mainly concentrated in Edo State where families try to escape poverty by sending a family member to Italy and other countries. Traffickers often offer women and mirrors to travel to Europe with promises of good jobs with an agreement of incurring debt which takes 1 – 3 years to pay.2 Edo State, the heartbeat of Nigeria has been labeled as the most endemic source of human trafficking particularly in Benin City as it gained notoriety particularly for sexual exploitation. As the world has experienced globalization, the trafficking of human beings most especially minors for sex trade has taken yet another turn. Human traffickers, aware of the risks involved in the trafficking of human beings especially children have set up sophisticated channels and networks for the easy and undetected flow of trafficked children. Irrespective of the intervention by international bodies, non-governmental organization and nation agencies to combat trafficking in Edo State, the region is still a hub for trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation.4 Though in this recent times children are not only trafficked for sexual exploitation but rather more for the extortion of their organs for organ buyers, trafficking of drugs and other illegal products and also for adoption

Air and water pollutants are often treated with activated carbon. This project inspects this sorbent for heavy metal or inorganic compound removal. Production of activated carbon. Physical and chemical activation and raw material pyrolysis are discussed. Biochar has a surface areaof226.380m2/g and a modified Biochar of 248.650m2/g, pore volume of 0.134cm3/gand0.150cm3/g, pore size of 2.08nm and 2.118nm distribution, and chemical surface structure. Biochar and modified biochar FTIR spectra were analyzed for functional groups. Spectrum intensity enhanced with acid alteration. Peaks at 3200-3550 cm−1 indicate O-H stretching vibrations, as well as C=C stretching vibrations of alkane functional group at 1600-1660cm−1and -=CH3 group at 1430-1470 cm�� Modified biochar improved wastewater treatment and soil remediation by increasing specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a rough modified biochar structure, increasing adsorption sites. Modification increased FTIR intensity, indicating functional group changes. Adsorption testing indicated that modified biochar eliminates Pb and Cd from water. Adsorption efficiency depended on initial concentration, pH, dose, and contact time. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm model fit the data better than the Freundlich model, implying monolayer adsorption onto a homogeneous surface. These studies demonstrate that acid-modified biochar can remove heavy metals from water.

Luffa cylindrica is a popular, medicinal vine belonging to the Curcubitaceae family that reproduces from seeds. Commonly called loofah, Luffa cylindrica is used in treating pains, backaches, rheumatoid arthritis, fever, syphilis, dysentery and tumours. Luffa cylindrica fruit extracts, using ethanol was studied to explore its In-vitro antioxidant activity and HPLC profile. DDPH (α, α-diphenyl-β-picrylhydrazyl) radical, FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), Hydroxyl radical, and Nitric oxide scavenging activity were assayed to determine the antioxidant capacity of Luffa cylindrica. Also, bioactive compounds were determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Phytochemical screening of the ethanoic extract of the Luffa cylindrica fruit extracts indicated the presence of steroids, flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. Quercetin was the most predominant compound present.

This study examines the impact of petroleum subsidy on the consumption of petroleum products in Nigeria from 2000 to 2020 using an Error Correction Model (ECM). The analysis reveals that petroleum subsidies significantly stimulate consumption by enhancing affordability. Surprisingly, higher inflation rates are associated with increased petroleum consumption, challenging conventional economic theory which predicts reduced consumption due to diminished purchasing power. Conversely, the relationship between petroleum prices and consumption is weak and statistically insignificant, suggesting that factors beyond price influence consumer behavior. Additionally, higher Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per Capita is unexpectedly associated with decreased petroleum consumption, indicating the presence of other influential factors independent of income levels. These findings underscore the complexity of the factors influencing petroleum consumption in Nigeria and highlight the need for evidence-based policymaking. Recommendations include conducting a comprehensive review of subsidy programs, investing in renewable energy, pursuing economic diversification, managing inflation, and strengthening data-driven decision-making to promote sustainable and resilient petroleum consumption patterns while fostering inclusive economic growth and development.