2024

The design and fabrication of a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) plasma cutting machine represent a significant advancement in precision manufacturing, enabling efficient and accurate cutting of conductive materials such as steel, aluminium, and brass. This project focuses on developing a cost-effective, versatile CNC plasma cutting machine tailored for applications in metal fabrication, automotive, aerospace, and artistic design. The system integrates a robust mechanical framework, including a stable frame, gantry, and linear motion components, with a high-performance plasma power supply and automated torch height control (THC) for consistent cut quality. Electrical systems, powered by stepper motors and a CNC controller, ensure precise movement, while CAD/CAM software facilitates the translation of complex designs into G-code for automated operation. The fabrication process involved sourcing materials, assembling mechanical and electrical components, and rigorous calibration to achieve cutting accuracy within ±0.1 mm. Key challenges, such as managing thermal distortion and electromagnetic interference, were addressed through careful design and shielding techniques.

This study examined study habit and its influence on the academic performance of students offering accounting courses in university of Benin. The study employed a descriptive research survey type. The population of the study comprises of 500 Business Education Students of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, university of Benin. Simple random sampling was used to select 200 accounting education students as sample for the study. The research instrument was named “Study Habits and Academic Performance Questionnaire (SHAPQ)” Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage for the research questions. The descriptive analysis revealed that study habit has strong significant influence on the academic performance of students offering accounting courses in university of Benin. The outcome of this study would be of immense help to undergraduates, help to improve their study habit skills and in turn facilitate student’s performance. Improvement in students academic
performance will therefore lead to national development as qualitative manpower will be produced. Also, the school, government and all stakeholders should make facilities and materials that facilitate studying available to students.

This study examined study habit and its influence on the academic performance of students offering accounting courses in university of Benin. The study employed a descriptive research survey type. The population of the study comprises of 500 Business Education Students of the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, university of Benin. Simple random sampling was used to select 200 accounting education students as sample for the study. The research instrument was named “Study Habits and Academic Performance Questionnaire (SHAPQ)” Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage for the research questions. The descriptive analysis revealed that study habit has strong significant influence on the academic performance of students offering accounting courses in university of Benin. The outcome of this study would be of immense help to undergraduates, help to improve their study habit skills and in turn facilitate student’s performance. Improvement in students academic
performance will therefore lead to national development as qualitative manpower will be produced. Also, the school, government and all stakeholders should make facilities and materials that facilitate studying available to students.

This study investigates the impact of taxation on income redistribution and various economic factors in Nigeria. The primary objectives are to assess how taxation influences income inequality, commodity purchase behavior, export promotion, inflation control, and the protection of infant industries. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study finds that taxation significantly affects income inequality and highlights a notable difference in the taxation of goods considered "bad" compared to other goods. The results also indicate that tax policies in Nigeria play a critical role in government revenue generation, export promotion, inflation control, and the protection of emerging industries. The study concludes that effective taxation policies can lead to more equitable wealth distribution, healthier consumption patterns, enhanced government revenue, increased exports, controlled inflation, and the growth of nascent industries. However, the success of these policies depends on efficient tax
administration, compliance, and the integration of complementary economic measures. Recommendations include improving tax collection systems, enhancing tax progressivity, increasing taxes on harmful goods, and providing targeted tax incentives for export-oriented and emerging industries. The study contributes to the body of knowledge by offering empirical
xiii evidence on the multifaceted impact of taxation in Nigeria and provides a foundation for policymakers to develop more effective tax strategies to foster sustainable economic development.

Analysis of microorganisms isolated from refrigerator surfaces and interiors is crucial for assessing the cleanliness and potential health risks associated with these appliances. Microorganisms that thrive in low temperatures (psychrophiles) can cause food spoilage and pose a health risk through foodborne diseases such as Listeriosis, Botulism, Salmonellosis, and Diarrhea. Therefore, it is essential to identify the types and concentrations of microorganisms present in different areas of refrigerators. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial quality of refrigerator exteriors and interiors in homes. Swabs and air samples were collected from 15 refrigerators in Ugbowo city and analyzed in a certified microbiology laboratory. Questionnaires were completed by refrigerator owners. Biochemical tests were used to further characterize the isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed to determine the sensitivity or resistance of the identified isolates to various antibiotics. The results showed that the lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators cleaned weekly (3.01 ± 0.41 CFU/ml), while the highest count was observed in refrigerators cleaned once a month (3.29 ± 0.33 CFU/ml). The lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators with 5-9 hours of electricity supply (2.74 ± 0.20 CFU/ml), and the highest count was observed in refrigerators with 15-19 hours of electricity supply (3.56 ± 0.00 CFU/ml). The lowest microbial count was observed in refrigerators without external power supply (2.61 ± 0.79 CFU/ml), while the highest count was observed in refrigerators with external power supply (3.25± 0.31 CFU/ml). All identified isolates were 12 susceptible to gentamicin antibiotics, while they were all resistant to erythromycin, metronidazole, carbenicillin, and cefoperazole antibiotics. All identified microbial isolates except S. enterica were susceptible to iprofloxacin, and all identified microbial isolates except E. coli were resistant to tetracycline antibiotics. The Susceptibility Index suggests that E. coli is the most susceptible to the antibiotics used, with the lowest Susceptibility Index value of 0.5, while S. enterica is the most resistant and least susceptible, with the highest value of 0.75. Both are indicators of high-risk contamination sources, according to Davis and Brown (2016), with a value of ≥0.2 or higher being indicative of a "high-risk" contamination source. These results demonstrate the presence of various types of microorganisms in refrigerators. Domestic refrigerators may be considered as a significant potential source of foodborne illnesses. Therefore, it is imperative to educate households, laboratories, and the general public about proper refrigeration practices. Regular (weekly) and thorough cleaning of refrigerators is essential to reduce the presence of microorganisms/microbial load

This empirical study investigated the impact of non-bank financial institutions on economic development in Nigeria from 2003 to 2022. Specifically, the research aimed to determine the impact of Primary Mortgage Institutions Total Assets and Economic Development in Nigeria; the impact of Finance Companies Total Assets and Economic Development in Nigeria, and the impact of inflation rate on GDP per capita of Nigerians. Secondary data on gross domestic product (GDP), Primary Mortgage Institutions Total Assets (PMITA), Finance Companies Total Assets (FCTA) and Insurance Companies Total Assets (ICTA) were sourced from CBN Statistical Bulletins and statistical Directory of the National Insurance Commission from the period of 2003 to 2022. The methodology adopted was Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The findings reveal that there is a significant relationship between Primary Mortgage Institutions Total Assets and economic development in Nigeria; also, that there is a significant relationship between Finance Companies Total Assets and economic development. And finally, a significant relationship between Insurance Companies Total Assets and economic development in Nigeria. The study recommended that; the government should establish a conducive environment, potentially through tax holidays and concessions, to foster the swift growth of the Non-Bank Financial industry; there should be restructuring and consolidations implemented in the insurance industry; and finally, Nigerian Primary Mortgage Institutions (PMIs) should assume a more robust role to augment housing delivery.

This study investigates the effect of health status indicators on labour force participation (LFP) in Nigeria from 2000 to 2021. Key health indicators including Life Expectancy Rate (LNLER), HIV Prevalence Rate (LNHPR), Incidence of Malaria (LNMI), and Population Growth Rate (LNPGR) were analyzed to understand their influence on LFP during the specified period. The Correction analysis is used to analyze the linkages between these variables. Augmented Dickey- Fuller (ADF) test was employed to test for stationarity of the variable in the model. Data for this study will be drawn from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin, the world development indicators and the World Bank Database. The findings reveal a significant negative association between HIV prevalence and LFP, indicating adverse effects on workforce participation. However, associations between life expectancy, malaria incidence, and population growth rate with LFP were inconclusive, highlighting the need for further research. Policy recommendations include targeted interventions to combat HIV/AIDS, improved access to healthcare, enhanced malaria
prevention efforts, and support for economic opportunities. Overall, addressing health challenges is crucial for enhancing workforce participation and productivity in Nigeria, requiring evidence-based policies and ongoing monitoring to achieve sustainable development

The study examines the emergence, organization, and operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa and their links with other international terrorist organizations. The objectives of the study were to examine the emergence of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa in north-east Nigeria; examine the organization and operations of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa as violent groups opposed to the state; establish the links between Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa and their connections with other international terror groups such as Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabab, Taliban and ISIS; and assess the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force in combating them. The study used data collected from publications of governmental and international governmental organizations and unstructured oral interviews with serving and retired military personnel. The publications were subjected to textual analysis, while the oral interviews were stored and later transcribed and analyzed. The study found that Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa emerged in the north-east of Nigeria with its main ideology of the establishment of a pure Islamic State (theocratic state) that is based on strict implementation of Sharia law in Nigeria and the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon. The terrorist groups’ attacks on the Nigerian state and the neighbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon comprising the military, para-military and civilians’ targets led to wanton destruction of lives and properties. Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa had links with other international terrorism networks such as Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Islamic State, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb AQIM and Al-Shabaab in aspects of ideology which centered on establishing an Islamic Caliphate that will address problems faced by Muslims worldwide. Other area of collaboration include training, funding, arms supply and logistic supports which facilitated their operations, expansions and attacks; and military and non military approaches adopted by the federal government of Nigeria led to the degrading of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa fighters. This thesis contends that the functionality of Boko Haram
and the Islamic State of West Africa thrived in their collaboration due to the international support they received from other terrorist organizations

In recent times, there have been worry over the emergence of substandard drugs in Nigeria. Tetracycline is a common POM (prescription-only medication) drug with diverse clinical and veterinary use. It is often preferred due to its low cost, comparable efficacy and ease of access. This research seeks to improve clinical decision-making, contribute to quality assurance measures and support regulatory endeavors within Benin City. Visual inspection was performed on each brand of tetracycline capsules using the World Health Organization Visual Inspection of Medicines Template. In-vitro release study was performed as outlined in the United States Pharmacopeia, 2023. A modified method of Ahmed et al., 2018 was used with absorbance read at 384nm. Visual inspection of different brands of tetracycline capsules revealed that 90% of the brand analyzed met the required standard. All brands analyzed had dissolution rate in the range of 91.31 to 99.57%, 92.62 to 99.57% and 95.23 to 99.57% at 20, 40 and 60 minutes respectively. Result from spectrophotometric analysis showed that all the brands analyzed had tetracycline
hydrochloride content between 91.17% and 98.58% of the label claim, with sample D7 having the least amount of tetracycline hydrochloride 91.1%. From the results above, the various brands of tetracycline available in Benin City are of good quality. However, there are concerns that the brand coded D7 may soon be substandard having failed the visual inspection test. Therefore, periodic checks need to be performed to ensure drug products available for use are of the highest quality so as to safeguard lives and ensure efficacy.

Background: Undergraduate students are the upcoming workforce of any country and their health is essentially linked to the social and economic development of the country. Health- seeking behaviour and health outcomes are shaped by socio-cultural beliefs, accessibility, cost and perceived quality of available health services and these affect health outcomes and indices. This study aimed at assessing the perception of, satisfaction with, major barriers to utilization, major health conditions prompting utilization of on-campus health services and factors influencing use of alternative sources of healthcare. Methods: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among undergraduate students of University of Benin, Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A sample size of 430 was obtained, and a multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study after pretesting. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 and the level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 23.0 ± 3.2 years. A higher proportion, 52.8% were male, Christians (58.1%) and single (67.7%). Out of 430 respondents, 61.4% resided off-campus, 52.6% received a monthly allowance of between 50,001 to 100,000 naira and 73.5% received support from their parents. From the responses, 41.4% had received care at the health center in the past year and were most commonly by joint pain (21.9%), fever (15.7%) and headaches (11.8%). Ninety-five percent and 99.0% had a good perception of health center and were satisfied with the services provided there respectively. Common barriers to seeking health care at the center were long waiting time (37.4%), out-of-pocket payments (17.9%). viii ix Conclusion: The study showed that there was a good perception of the health center and respondents were satisfied with services at the health center. Recommendations: The government should strengthen implementation of the Tertiary Institutions’ Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) of the National Health Insurance Scheme(NHIS) at the health center, increase public-private partnership to reduce health cost and encourage local production of pharmaceuticals. The health center should improve awareness of service at the center, increase number of staff and strengthen existing programmes