2025

This study investigated the microbial source tracking of faecal bacterial pathogens in Ogba River, Benin City, Nigeria. Water samples collected from different locations were analyzed using standard cultural, morphological, Gram staining, and biochemical techniques. The isolates identified were Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. E. coli and other Gram-negative rods indicated fecal contamination while S. aureus reflected anthropogenic input from human activities. Biochemical results confirmed the pathogenic potential of the isolates. The detection of these organisms demonstrates that Ogba River is contaminated with both human and animal wastes, posing serious public health risks. The result highlights the effectiveness of microbial source tracking in identifying contamination origins and emphasizes the need for regular water quality monitoring, improved sanitation, and proper waste management to prevent disease outbreaks and protect community health.

This research work centered on the effects of stress on employees productivity,
and performance using the Notre Dame Table Water employees as a case
study. Stress in this context has been recently known as a significant problem
which that affect the job performance, productivity and also the employees’
health generally. Six research questions and two research hypotheses were
adopted in this study. The major objective or purpose of the study is to
examine or assess the effect of stress on employees’ productivity and
performance among Notre Dame Table Water employees. In achieving this,
the descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the
study comprised of all employees of Notre Dame Table Water, of which has
three departments; administrative department having 5 employees, Sales
department having 32 employees and production department having 65
employees. This gives a total of 102 employees of Notre Dame Table Water.
Data collected through the administered questionnaires, were analysed using
the descriptive statistics of frequency distribution and percentages and the
inferential statistics of involved the use of ANOVA. From the findings, it was
revealed that there is high level of stress felt among Notre Dame Table Water
employee. Also, the study also revealed that dysfunctional stress lowers the
performance and productivity of employees as well as reduce job commitment.
The researcher recommended there should be well defined job functions and
clearly stated job roles, Management should also invest in stress management
strategies that will help increase job performance and productivity and finally
Management should improve working environment to enable carrying out of
job functions easy and reduce stress

This study evaluates the use of digital technologies within the Quantity Surveying practice in Benin City, Edo State, amid global trends of digital transformation in construction. Through comprehensive data collection from local professionals, the research identifies a pronounced awareness of foundational digital tools like Microsoft Excel and AutoCAD alongside limited practical use of advanced technologies such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and specialized cost management software. The findings reveal significant barriers rooted in high costs, inadequate infrastructure, skill gaps, and resistance to change, which collectively hinder the full integration of digital solutions despite acknowledged operational benefits including increased speed, productivity, and accuracy. Anchored in the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovations theory, the study underscores the critical gap between awareness and usage, highlighting the need for targeted training, supportive policy frameworks, and infrastructural development to bridge this divide. The research contributes to a nuanced understanding of digital adoption challenges in developing contexts and proposes a strategic roadmap to enhance digital capacity, fostering modernization and competitiveness of the Quantity Surveying profession in Benin City

Between 1990 and 2020, West Africa made significant strides toward democratic consolidation, creating the impression that the era of the coup d'état was a relic of the post-independence past. However, the period between 2021 and 2024 witnessed a dramatic and unsettling reversal of this trend, characterized by a rapid succession of military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger—a geopolitical stretch now colloquially termed the "Coup Belt." This study examines the structural drivers, triggers, and implications of this contemporary resurgence of military interventions in West Africa. Utilizing a qualitative research design rooted in frustrated-democratization and structural-functionalism theories, the study relies on content analysis of secondary data, including academic literature, regional security reports, and institutional data from ECOWAS and the African Union. The findings reveal that the recent wave of coups is not merely an isolated series of military opportunism, but a symptomatic reflection of a deeper "crisis of trust" and democratic legitimacy. The resurgence is primarily driven by three intersecting catalysts: pervasive governance failures coupled with systemic corruption, a catastrophic escalation of jihadist insurgencies and insecurity in the Sahel, and public disillusionment with civilian leaders who manipulate constitutional term limits. Furthermore, the study highlights a shifting geopolitical paradigm, noting how regional juntas have actively weaponized populist, anti-colonial sentiment (particularly against France) to garner domestic civilian support, while pivoting toward new security alliances with external actors like Russia. Finally, the study analyzes the structural limitations of ECOWAS and the African Union, whose traditional toolkits of economic sanctions and political suspensions have largely failed to deter coup leaders or expedite democratic transitions. The study concludes that mitigating the threat of future military takeovers requires a normative shift from merely penalizing unconstitutional changes of government to proactively addressing the "democratic deficits" and institutional decay that legitimize military interventions in the eyes of the public.

This study assessed the physicochemical and microbial characteristics of sediments from the Orhionmwon River, Edo State. The result of the average mean concentration of the physicochemical and microbial parameter are 5.03 ± 0.20( PH), 43.67 ± 10.44 µS/cm, 1212.61 ± 165.52 mg/kg (calcium), 287.33 ± 93.92 mg/kg (Magnesium), 297.91 ± 81.39 mg/kg, (Potassium) 161.62 ± 32.71 mg/kg (sodium), 0.05 ± 0.01 (Nitrogen), 0.51- 0.16 (TOC), 92.18 ± 2.39(sand), 5.94- 2.38(clay), 1.88 - 0.03(slit), 27.24 ± 10.41(THC), 4.00 ± 1.01 (THC), 1.52 ±0.31(THF), 73.11 ± 11.39( E.coil), and 187.78 - 36.46 (coliform) respectively . Sand and slit showed no significant difference (p>0.05), why pH, EC, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, nitrogen, TOC, clay, THC, THB, THF, E.coli and coliform respectively exhibit a significant difference (p <0.05) across the three sampling stations . The study concluded that the microbial parameters in the sediments were very high. The findings highlight both natural geological influence and serious human impact, posing a clear public health risk. It recommends regular sediment monitoring and urgent improvements in waste management to protect both the environment and community health.

This study examined the Impact of Unethical Accounting Practices on Financial Reporting Quality of Manufacturing Firms in Nigeria. The study specifically examined the common unethical accounting practices prevalent in Nigerian manufacturing firms. The study examined the major causes of unethical practices by accounting professionals. The survey design was adopted and the simple random sampling techniques were employed in this study. The population size comprises of selected staff of Sumal Foods Limited in Oyo State. In determining the sample size, the researcher conveniently selected 80 respondents and 72 were validated. Selfconstructed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The collected and validated questionnaires were analyzed using frequency tables and mean scores, while the hypotheses were tested using ANOVA statistical tool. The result of the findings reveals that the common unethical accounting practices prevalent in Nigerian manufacturing firms includes; falsifying financial statements to mislead stakeholders, manipulating inventory levels to inflate profits is a frequent practice, underreporting expenses to enhance profitability is widely practiced and engaging in related-party transactions without proper disclosure is common. Therefore, The study suggests that accounting professional bodies in Nigeria should advocate for stricter penalties for auditors who misconduct themselves, similar to practices in other countries.

The aim of the study is to examine how Nigerian Pidgin is used in betting memes to communicate meaning. While its specific objective is to identify the type of message communicated in Nigerian Pidgin. For this study, the primary data collection method was online research. A total of 30 betting memes were collected from two social media platforms, Twitter and Whatsapp. Semiotic theory and Social semiotics were the two theoretical frameworks used for the analysis of the provided data. Using these frameworks, the study was able to identify how meaning was created through the relationship between signifiers and signifieds in the memes, and how these memes reflect social realities, emotions, and shared experiences of Nigerian youth. The frameworks helped to interpret both the linguistic and visual elements of memes, showing how Nigerian Pidgin was used creatively to express humour, frustration, and identity in betting culture. The findings revealed that Nigerian Pidgin played a key role in communicating humour, frustration, and shared experiences among betters, while also reflecting social realities such as hope, loss and resilience. The memes combined language and images to express the everyday emotions in betting in relatable ways. The study concluded that Nigerian Pidgin serves as a powerful cultural and communication tool in digital betting spaces, strengthening social connection and self expression through humour and creativity

Prognosis disclosure is a critical component of patient-centered care that can influence patients’ trust in healthcare providers. Understanding how patients perceive prognosis disclosure and its impact on trust is vital for improving communication and healthcare outcomes. This study examined the influence of prognosis disclosure on patients’ trust in healthcare providers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed. Using a convenience sampling technique, 101 patients were selected, and 99 valid responses were obtained, yielding a 98% response rate. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and grand means, were used to summarize socio-demographic characteristics, patient perceptions of prognosis disclosure, and trust in healthcare providers. Most participants were young adults (78.8% aged 18–25), female (75.8%), single (86.9%), and educated (84.8% with tertiary education). Findings showed that prognosis disclosure had a positive effect on patient trust, with 71% of respondents reporting high trust following disclosure. Key factors influencing trust included transparent communication, patient involvement in treatment planning, and emotional support. Although cultural and religious factors were largely non-influential, patients preferred gradual, staged disclosure sensitive to emotional readiness. The relationship between prognosis disclosure and trust was significant, with patients recognizing that clear, empathetic communication strengthens relationships. Prognosis disclosure, when delivered transparently and empathetically, enhances trust in healthcare providers. Emotional support and gradual communication are essential in maintaining positive relationships. Healthcare providers should receive training on sensitive prognosis disclosure, and structured, patient-centered protocols emphasizing empathy and emotional support should be implemented.

The absence of a structured and secure channel for student expression at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has left many important issues overlooked or unheard. Existing options, such as social media platforms, are often unsafe, unorganized, and unable to provide anonymity or encourage honest expression without fear of judgment or ridicule. This project (Design and Implementation of UNIBEN Students Engagement/Expression Platform) seeks to address these challenges by creating a dedicated, moderated, and student-centered platform that empowers the UNIBEN community to share experiences and highlight everyday student concerns. The platform will be designed and developed using Figma, WordPress, and other essential web tools to ensure a responsive, user-friendly, and scalable interface. Core features will include anonymous story submissions, categorized topics such as academics, housing, finance, and safety, as well as interaction options like comments and feedback under strict moderation. Security and visibility will remain top priorities through features such as anti-bot protection, content approval workflows, and privacy safeguards that encourage open participation. By providing a safe and structured space for expression, the project not only amplifies underrepresented student voices but also sets the foundation for future growth, including AI-driven content moderation, story highlights, and also more development for broader accessibility.

Caffeine belongs to the methylxathine class and is recognized as the most utilized psychoactive stimulant worldwide. Kola nitida, also known as kola nut, is widely consumed for its alkaloid properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeine and kola nitida extract on the gross behavioral patterns of wistar rats. Thirty (30) wistar rats of both sexes and of comparable size and weight were used for this study. The doses investigated ranged from 10mg/kg - 160mg/kg. The animals were grouped into 3, consisting of ten (10) animals each. GROUP 1 (control group) of ten 10) animals were administered 0.4ml of 0.9% saline solution, GROUP 2 (treatment group) of ten (10) animals each, were administered with 10-160mg/kg doses of caffeine orally, GROUP 3 (treatment group) of ten (10) animals each, were administered with 10-160mg/kg doses of Kola nitida extract administered orally. Gross behavioral parameters of climbing, line crossing, hinding, stereotype movement, drinking, rearing, scratching, aggression and grooming were studied using the open field test. Prior to the test, all the animals were acclimatized for 8 minutes in the open field apparatus. Frequency of each behavior was scored manually and statistical analysis was done using graph pad prism after the duration of the experiment. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tuckey's post hoc test was used to check for the differences between the means. Results showed that caffeine significantly (p < 0.05–0.0001) increased locomotor activities, including line crossing, climbing, and hinding up to 40 mg/kg, after which activities declined at higher doses (80–160 mg/kg). Conversely, kola nitida induced a dose-dependent reduction in locomotor and exploratory behaviors at low to moderate doses, though mild increases were seen at 160 mg/kg. Both substances altered grooming, scratching, and aggression differently, suggesting dose-dependent and substance-specific modulation of central nervous system (CNS) excitability. The findings support previous evidence that caffeine acts as a potent CNS stimulant, while kola nitida, though containing caffeine, also possesses compounds (theobromine, tannins) that modulate or counteract pure caffeine’s stimulant effect.