2025

This study investigated the implications of refresher courses on classroom management practices among secondary school teachers in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. The study was guided by five research questions. It adopted a descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised all secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area. A structured questionnaire titled Implications of Refresher Courses on Classroom Management Practices Questionnaire (IRCMPQ) was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in educational management and measurement and evaluation, while reliability was established using Cronbach Alpha statistics. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that refresher courses improve teachers’ classroom management skills to a moderate extent by enhancing classroom organization, behaviour management, enforcement of classroom rules, and the creation of conducive learning environments. The study further revealed that refresher courses positively influence teachers’ confidence, adaptability, and effectiveness in handling diverse classroom challenges. Findings also showed that refresher courses expose teachers to learner-centred instructional strategies which improve learner engagement and classroom participation. However, inadequate follow-up and mentoring, insufficient resources, poor accessibility, and irregular training programmes were identified as major challenges affecting the effectiveness of refresher courses. The study equally found that refresher courses have broad positive implications for improving teaching quality, students’ learning outcomes, and overall educational development. The study concluded that refresher courses are essential for strengthening teachers’ professional competence and improving classroom management practices in secondary schools. It was therefore recommended among others that government and educational stakeholders should organize regular, practical, and well-funded refresher training programmes for teachers, while ensuring adequate follow-up support and accessibility for all teachers.

This study empirically analyzes the impacts of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. The broad objective of this study is to empirically analyze the impacts of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. The Ordinary Least Squares method was adopted to analyze the relationship between public debt and manufacturing capacity, private sector loan, Gross Domestic Product, consumption expenditure and interest rate. Secondary data which spans from 1981 to 2024, sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin for real sector, public sector and World Development Index, was extracted and utilized for empirical analysis. Some forms of pre-estimation tests were carried out in order to obtain satisfactory results. Such tests are the unit root test: test for stationarity, the co-integration test which tests for long run equilibrium relation between the variables of interest of this study. This study seeks to discover the effect of public debt on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria. Therefore, in conclusion public debt positively impacts on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria and it is significant, private sector loan has a significant positive impact on manufacturing capacity, Gross Domestic Product has a significant positive impact on the manufacturing capacity however both consumption expenditure and interest rate have negative impact on manufacturing capacity. Haven discovered from this study the significant positive impact of public on manufacturing capacity in Nigeria, it is therefore recommended that: The federal government should ensure that enough capital is available for the manufacturing sector given the importance of the manufacturing sector to the Nigerian economy. The monetary authority should ensure that the level of interest rate (cost of capital) does not discourage domestic manufacturing industries that need capital from both the money market and the capital market for investment purpose.

Nanophysics, the study of materials and systems on the Nano scale, has enabled transformative technological innovations across disciplines. This paper reviews the pivotal roles and profound impact of nanophysics on major modern technologies. We discuss how nanophysics has allowed the precise control and manipulation of materials at the atomic and molecular level, leading to the development of nanomaterial with desirable mechanical, electrical, and optical properties. We highlight the contributions of nanophysics to semiconductors, energy storage, solar cells, sensors, quantum computing, and biomedical applications. For example, nanoparticles and nanowires designed through nanophysics are now key components in high-efficiency solar panels, targeted drug delivery, rapid disease detection, and quantum information technologies. However, we also examine ongoing challenges and open questions in Nano scale research, such as improving the scalability of Nano-manufacturing, reducing toxicity, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of quantum effects. Overall, this review underscores how fundamental insights in nanophysics have enabled transformative technologies that benefit society. The multifaceted roles and tremendous potential impact of nanophysics research on the future landscape of science and technology are discussed. Moving forward, interdisciplinary collaboration and responsible development of nanotechnologies will be vital.

This Research focused on the isolation and characterization of bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus sp. isolated from nunu, a traditionally fermented milk beverage, and its antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli. Samples of nunu were collected from local markets in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, and analyzed in the Department of Science Laboratory Technology Microbiology Laboratory. The isolate was cultured on de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) agar and identified through morphological and biochemical characterization. The isolates were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, and capable of fermenting lactose, galactose, and fructose, confirming them as Lactobacillus sp.. Bacteriocin production was screened using the agar well diffusion method, with E. coli as the test organism. Clear zones of inhibition (ZOI) were observed, indicating the production of antimicrobial compounds. The bacteriocin extract was neutralized to pH 7.41 to eliminate the effects of organic acids and partially purified using ammonium sulfate precipitation (60% saturation) followed by dialysis. The purified extract was further characterized using High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), which revealed distinct peaks corresponding to bacteriocin fractions. The antimicrobial assay showed that the bacteriocin exhibited inhibitory activity against E. coli, suggesting its potential as a natural bio preservative in perishable food products such as tomato. The findings indicate that bacteriocin from Lactobacillus sp. in nunu can serve as safe and effective alternatives to chemical preservatives and synthetic antibiotics, thereby contributing to improved food safety and public health.

The persistent problem of unreliable electricity supply in Nigeria has made the use of electrical power generators a daily necessity for many homes and businesses. While these generators provide temporary relief from frequent blackouts, their emissions and noise significantly degrade air quality and create health concerns. This study aimed to assess air and noise pollution from electric power generators in selected commercial centers in Benin City, Edo State. The objectives were to measure key air pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, CO, O3, and TVOC at varying distances (0 m, 3 m, 5 m) from operating generators, evaluate their concentration trends, determine noise levels, and compare results with World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The study was carried out across sixteen commercial sites including Ring Road, Mission Road, Akpakpava, and Forestry Road. Air quality data were obtained using a portable multi-gas analyzer and ozone meter, while noise levels were measured with a digital sound level meter. Measurements were recorded for three minutes at one-minute intervals during active generator operation (1 p.m.–3 p.m.). The data collected at 0 m, 3 m, and 5 m were averaged to determine representative pollution values and compared against WHO limits to evaluate compliance. The results showed that air and noise pollution around generator sites were generally above recommended limits. The mean PM2.5 concentration ranged from 35–70 µg/�³, and PM10 from 40–85 µg/�³, both exceeding the WHO 24-hour limits of 15 µg/�³ and 45 µg/�³ respectively. Carbon monoxide (CO) levels were between 28–307 ppm, far higher than the WHO limit of 26 ppm (1-hour mean). Ozone (O3) concentrations varied from 0.04–7.18 ppm, and TVOC values ranged from 0.007–0.074 mg/�³, with higher values near generator exhausts. Noise levels ranged between 80.0 dB(A) and 96.8 dB(A), exceeding the WHO safe exposure limit of 70 dB(A). Pollutant levels decreased progressively with distance from the source, showing strong spatial attenuation within 5 m. These findings confirm that commercial generator clusters in Benin City contribute substantially to poor air quality and excessive noise exposure. The study concludes that generator emissions pose serious environmental and health hazards. It recommends strict enforcement of air quality standards, and the adoption of cleaner energy sources such as solar power to improve public health and urban livability.

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The rising demand for sustainable and affordable housing in Nigeria has drawn attention to the use of environmentally friendly and cost-effective building materials. This study explores the potential of timber as a construction material for sustainable and affordable housing and building development in Benin City, Edo State. Timber, being a renewable and locally available resource, offers significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and economic viability. The research assesses the level of timber adoption in the local construction industry, evaluates its suitability in terms of structural performance, cost, and sustainability, and examines the challenges hindering its widespread use. Findings indicate that while timber is perceived positively for its aesthetic and thermal qualities, concerns regarding durability, fire resistance, and regulatory gaps remain key obstacles. The study concludes that with proper treatment, policy support, and awareness campaigns, timber can play a critical role in addressing Nigeria's housing deficit sustainably and affordably. Recommendations are made for policymakers, architects, and developers on strategies to promote timber adoption in future building projects.

Cymbopogon citratus (lemon grass) is a medicinal grass widely valued in ethnomedicine for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, with its bioactivity linked to essential oils, phenolics, and flavonoids. Although extensively used, there is limited comparative evidence on how solvent polarity influences the anti-inflammatory potential of its extracts. This study therefore evaluated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol (polar) and diethyl ether (non-polar) extracts of C. citratus in order to assess differences in solvent efficiency and bioactivity. Fresh leaves collected from the University of Benin were authenticated and extracted using standardized procedures, information was sourced from laboratory analyses combined with current literatures from PubMed, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar. Extracts were tested in vitro for inhibition of protein denaturation, heat-induced haemolysis, antiproteinase activity, and lipoxygenase inhibition, with aspirin serving as the standard drug. Extraction yield was slightly higher for diethyl ether (1.72%) than for ethanol (1.56%). Both extracts exhibited concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory activity across all assays. In the protein-denaturation assay, ethanol extract inhibited 65.9% at 500 µg/ml while diethyl ether showed 69.4%, compared with 82.3% for aspirin. In the haemolysis test, ethanol recorded 61.7% and diethyl ether 58.4% inhibition, while aspirin reached 75.6%. Antiproteinase activity was 59.2% for ethanol and 56.8% for diethyl ether, against 70.4% for aspirin. Lipoxygenase inhibition was stronger in the diethyl ether extract (64.5%) than ethanol (60.1%), though both were lower than aspirin (78.2%). The findings confirm that C. citratus possesses measurable in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, supporting its traditional use in managing inflammation-related disorders. Solvent polarity was shown to influence the degree and spectrum of bioactivity, highlighting the importance of solvent selection in herbal preparation. However, the study was limited to in vitro models, two extraction solvents, and a single collection site. Future research should explore in vivo and clinical trials, and adopt advanced extraction techniques.

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The relentless rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens, coupled with the deleterious health impacts of oxidative stress, has intensified the global search for novel, safe, and effective bioactive compounds from natural sources. Piper guineense (Schumach. and Thonn), (Family- Piperaceae) commonly known as African black pepper, West African black pepper, Ashanti pepper, or uziza is renowned for its rich phytochemical profiles and antimicrobial activities. The aim of this study was to access the phytochemicals, antioxidants and antimicrobial profiling of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Piper guineense fruit and seed. Samples of commercial Piper guineense fruits and seeds were sourced from Local Markets in Benin City and identified by lecturers in the Plant Biology and Biotechnology laboratory, University of Benin while the microbial isolates used were obtained from stock cultures of clinical isolates stored from cases of Nosocomial infections from University of Benin teaching Hospital (UBTH). The phytochemical, antioxidants and antimicrobial properties were assayed using standard methods. Also antimicrobial activities of the plant extracts were investigated using agar well diffusion methods. Data obtained for the different parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using the analysis of variance. The results of the qualitative phytochemical composition of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, glycosides and steroids were present in ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense while anthraquinones was present in ethanolic extract and absent in aqueous extract. The quantitative phytochemical composition of ethanolic and aqueous extracts of P. guinense shows that Saponins (10.05±1.05 mg/g) had the highest composition, followed by phenolics (8.51±2.56 mg/g) in aqueous extract while flavonoids (12.10±2.17 mg/g) had the highest composition in ethanolic extract of P. guinense.. Also, aqueous extract (22.82%) had the highest percentage yield compared to ethanolic extract (17.87%). Zone of inhibition of the aqueous fruit and seed extract of Piper guineense on bacterial isolates ranged from 6.6±1.6 - 12.9±1.1mm while zone of on fungal isolates ranged from 4.5±1.5 - 11.3±1.5 mm respectively. Zone of inhibition of the ethanolic fruit and seed extract of Piper guineense on bacterial isolates ranged from 6.6±1.6 - 23.5±1.6 mm while zone of on fungal isolates ranged from 3.5±1.6 - 21.5±2.5 mm respectively. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration ranged from 0.9 – 8 mg/ml for aqueous extract and 0.9 - 8 mg/ml for ethanolic extract. Minimum Bactericidal/Fungicidal concentrations (MBCs/MFCs) in aqueous ranged from 4 – 12 mg/ml and 0.9 – 8 mg/ml for ethanolic extracts. DPPH for aqueous extract ranged from 0.756±0.66 (10 µg/mL) to 0.306±0.21 (200 µg/mL), ethanolic extract range from 0.623±0.31 (10 µg/mL) to 0.226±0.05 (200 µg/mL) compared to control (Ascorbic acid) which range from 0.421±0.13 (10 µg/mL) to 0.110±0.04 (200 µg/mL). Percentage inhibition of aqueous extract ranged from 13.5±0.41 (10 µg/mL) to 56.12±0.66 (200 µg/mL), ethanolic extract ranged from 17.65±0.41 (10 µg/mL) to 78.62±0.66 (200 µg/mL) while control (ascorbic acid) range from 49.81±0.11 (10 µg/mL) to 98.01±0.35 (200 µg/mL). ethanolic extract (262.2 ± 7.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g) had the highest reducing power compare to ethanol extract (133.6 ± 11.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g) when compared to control (ascorbic acid) 615.5 ± 10.6 7.3 µmol Fe²⁺/g. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities observed in Piper guinense fruit and seeds aqueous and ethanolic extracts is due to the presence of phytochemicals. The use of Piper guinense in folk medicine is therefore recommended