2025

This research focused on the adsorption of manganese ions (Mn²⁺) from MnSO₄ salt solution using kaolinite clay obtained from Aseni, Kogi State, Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the adsorption efficiency of kaolinite clay and to investigate the influence of process parameters, including contact time, pH, adsorbent dosage, and initial manganese concentration, on the removal efficiency. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under controlled conditions, and residual manganese concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results revealed that adsorption efficiency increased with pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage but decreased slightly with higher initial concentrations. Maximum removal was recorded at 78% at an initial concentration of 10Mn/l, 55.00% (1.0 g dosage), 22.0g (120 minutes), and 63.13% (pH 9). Equilibrium data fitted better to the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface, while the pseudo-second-order kinetic model provided the best correlation, suggesting a chemisorption-controlled mechanism.

The study concludes that kaolinite clay is an effective, locally available, and eco-friendly adsorbent for manganese removal from aqueous solutions, highlighting its potential for use in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation.

Clay soils at many construction sites often exhibit low strength and high plasticity, making them unsuitable for supporting heavy structural loads without proper stabilization. This study aimed to investigate the potential of bamboo ash (BA) as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective soil stabilizer to improve the engineering performance of clay soils. The research specifically
examined how varying BA contents (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by dry weight) affect the geotechnical properties and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) characteristics of clay soils, with the goal of addressing the problem of weak subgrade performance in road and foundation construction.

The materials used were locally sourced clay soil and bamboo ash produced from the controlled burning of bamboo plants. Laboratory testing was carried out on both untreated and BA-treated soils. The experimental program included soil classification tests—specific gravity, particle size distribution, and Atterberg Limits—compaction tests to determine Maximum Dry Density (MDD) and Optimum Moisture Content (OMC), and CBR tests to evaluate load-bearing capacity. The natural clay was classified as A-4 and A-5 according to the AASHTO system, while BA was used as the stabilizing additive in different proportions. Results indicated that untreated clay soils exhibited low CBR values. The addition of BA improved both MDD and CBR, with the highest performance observed at 15% BA content.

Beyond this level (20%), both MDD and CBR values declined, and Atterberg Limit results showed an overall increase in plasticity with higher BA content. The findings demonstrate that BA has significant potential as a sustainable soil stabilizer, particularly at the 15% level, for improving clay soil strength and bearing capacity. However, the reduction in performance at higher contents and the rise in plasticity highlight the need for further microstructural analysis and field trials to develop practical guidelines for its use in construction projects.

This study investigates the presence and abundance of microplastic contamination in a commercially important fish species, Mormyrus rume from Ikpoba River Benin City. A total of sixteen samples of Mormyrus rume (n=16) were collected from three designated stations along the river with the help of artisanal fishermen. The fish samples were then dissected for Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT) removal. The Gastrointestinal Tract was digested for microplastic extraction and density gradient techniques were used to isolate microplastic. The polymer composition of microplastic was confirmed using Attenuated Total Reflectance- Fourier Transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. The result showed that samples from station 3 had the highest microplastic contamination, with an abundance of 40.53% while samples from station 1 had the least with an abundance of 26.63%. A total of eight plastic polymers were identified, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyamide (PA), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The polymer count was recorded in an increasing order of PET>PP>PA>PE>PS>PU>PC>PVC across all the stations. This study confirms the presence and abundance of microplastics in fish samples and indicate that fish from the river may pose human health risks to consumers due to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The findings emphasize the need for better waste management practices, public awareness and improved urban drainage systems.

The rapid growth of digital technology and e-commerce has transformed the way goods and services are exchanged, creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers. Despite these advancements, many small businesses within the University of Benin (UNIBEN) community still rely on traditional advertising methods such as word-of-mouth referrals and printed flyers, which limit their visibility and growth potential. The absence of a centralized platform also makes it difficult for students, staff, and faculty to easily discover and access available services within the university environment.

This project proposes the development of an online marketplace specifically designed for the University of Benin community. The platform aims to provide a digital space where small business owners can showcase their products and services, while enabling users to conveniently search, compare, and engage with service providers. The proposed system integrates features such as business listings, service categorization, customer reviews and ratings, communication tools, and performance analytics to improve user experience and business management.

The online marketplace is expected to enhance the visibility of campus-based businesses, increase customer engagement, and promote economic activities within the university community. Furthermore, it will provide a structured and accessible platform that connects buyers and sellers efficiently, fostering convenience, transparency, and trust. The study concludes that implementing a dedicated online marketplace for UNIBEN can significantly contribute to the digital transformation of campus commerce and support the growth and sustainability of small businesses within the institution.

This study examines the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices in construction sites in Benin City. The research explored three objectives; Assessing the level of use of visual communication tools for safe work practices on construction sites, investigating the challenges affecting the use of visual communication tools for safe work practices and examining the effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices in Benin City, Edo State. All three objectives used the mean item score as the method of analysis. The target population for this research comprises stakeholders and participants directly involved in the construction industry within Benin City, Edo State. These include professionals such as architects, engineers, builders, health & safety officers and quantity surveyors. A total of 169 questionnaires were filled from an anticipated sample size of 300. The study revealed that the level of use of visual communication tools varies considerably across construction projects in Benin City. Among the tools assessed, Safety Signs and Symbols (MIS = 4.72) ranked the highest, followed by Colour-Coded Labels (MIS = 4.51) and Floor Markings (MIS = 4.40). The most significant challenge was Limited Budget (MIS = 4.52), followed by Management Indifference (MIS = 4.32) and Lack of Training (MIS = 4.20). The strongest effects of visual communication tools on safe work practices were, Improves Hazard Recognition (MIS = 4.67), Enhances Compliance with Safety Rules (MIS = 4.41), and Reduces Accident Frequency (MIS = 4.29). Generally, the study concludes that visual communication tools play a crucial role in promoting safety culture on construction sites, and their integration especially digital innovations should be strengthened through better funding, management commitment, and worker training.

This study examined "The Influence of Teacher's Feedback and Student's Motivation on Senior Secondary School Student's Composition Writing." It investigated the types of teachers' feedback commonly used in senior secondary schools; examined the extent to which intrinsic and extrinsic motivations influence students' performance in composition writing; explored the interaction between teachers' feedback and students' motivation on composition quality; and identified the main barriers to teachers providing effective feedback in composition writing classes in Edo State.

The research used a descriptive survey approach to gather information without altering any variables, focusing on senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) students made up the population and sample, selected through purposive sampling to ensure students who met the study's specific needs were included. A questionnaire titled "Teachers' Feedback and Students' Motivation Questionnaire" was developed by the researcher and divided into two sections, with a four-point Likert scale used to rate responses. For validity, the instrument was reviewed by both lecturers and the researcher's supervisor and was refined based on their feedback. Reliability was confirmed using the Cronbach Alpha method, producing a strong result of 0.868, which confirmed that the instrument was dependable. The questionnaire was personally distributed by the researcher to encourage accurate responses and was retrieved immediately after completion. All collected data were analyzed using frequency and percentage to address the research questions clearly.
Findings from the study discovered that written corrections and grading are the most commonly used feedback types in composition writing instruction; both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations significantly influence students' composition writing performance, with students responding positively to topic enjoyment, teacher praise, grades, and examination preparation; teacher feedback and student motivation interact synergistically to enhance composition quality, as encouraging feedback increases student interest and improves writing performance; large class sizes and heavy workload represent the main barriers to effective feedback provision. Based on these findings, the study recommends that class sizes be reduced to enable individualized feedback; teachers adopt balanced feedback approaches combining corrective and motivational elements; technology-assisted feedback tools be integrated to support traditional methods; and teacher professional development programs be organized to enhance feedback skills and understanding of motivation theories.

The rapid advancement of digital technologies has transformed social media from a communication tool into a powerful driver of electronic commerce and consumer behaviour. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Pinterest have evolved into interactive marketplaces where consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products through peer recommendations, user-generated content, and influencer endorsements. This study examines the role of social media in shaping and sustaining online shopping communities and explores how these platforms influence consumer purchasing decisions.

Drawing on existing literature, the study highlights the growing importance of authenticity, trust, and engagement in social commerce. Consumers, particularly Millennials and Generation Z, increasingly rely on social media for product information and recommendations, often valuing real-life experiences shared by peers and influencers over traditional advertising. Businesses leverage these platforms to strengthen customer relationships, enhance brand visibility, and drive sales through targeted marketing strategies.

Despite the opportunities presented by social media commerce, several challenges persist, including privacy and security concerns, online scams, misleading product representations, delivery issues, limited digital literacy, and intense market competition. These challenges affect consumer trust and the overall effectiveness of online shopping experiences. The study therefore seeks to provide insights into the dynamics of social media-driven commerce and its impact on consumer behaviour. Understanding these trends is essential for businesses, policymakers, and consumers as digital commerce continues to evolve and reshape the future of retail.

The study evaluated selected nutritive and phytochemical indices of Triticum aestivum L. to provide baseline information that may aid nutritional assessment and quality improvement of wheat-based products.
Phytochemical screening, mineral composition, proximate analysis, and vitamin C determination were conducted using standard procedures, including colorimetric tests, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), the AOAC method, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry, respectively.

The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, and reducing sugars, while tannins and steroids were absent. These compounds are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cholesterol-lowering properties, highlighting wheat’s potential as a functional food. Mineral analysis showed sodium (70.0 mg/kg), magnesium (300.0 mg/kg), iron (30.0 mg/kg), and zinc (25.0 mg/kg) within normal ranges, but potassium (2500.0 mg/kg) and calcium (1.9 mg/kg) were below standard levels, possibly due to soil nutrient depletion or analytical variation.
Proximate composition revealed moisture (12.60%), ash (1.80%), crude fiber (2.50%), and carbohydrate (57.28%) within expected limits, indicating good storage stability. However, crude fat (21.74%) was higher and crude protein (6.59%) lower than standard ranges, suggesting methodological inconsistencies or genotypic differences. Vitamin C content (0.29 mg/100 g) was low but consistent with cereal values.

Overall, Triticum aestivum exhibited rich phytochemical diversity and acceptable nutritional quality, though certain nutrient variations emphasize the need for improved cultivation and analytical control. The findings provide valuable baseline data and confirm wheat’s significance not only as a staple food but also as a potential source of health-promoting bioactive compounds.

This research titled "Semiotic analysis of names associated with God in Igbo language" studied how Igbo God- names are more than just labels for the divine. These names also have deep cultural, religious, and social meanings. The goal was to learn what they mean, what forms they take, their purpose in Igbo culture, and how they have changed. The work looked at names that tell about God’s character, what God does, and God's relationship with people. It shows how they link old Traditional customs with today’s Christian ways. Exactly 120 names were gathered from talks with people, church records, naming events, social media, songs, journals, everyday talk and stories passed down using one on one interviews and voice recordings. These names were studied using ideas about signs from Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, and Eco. The study found that Igbo God- names act as signs of belief, records of what happened to people and the community, and ways to pass values down. For instance, Chukwuemeka (God has done great deeds) shows thankfulness and Chidinma (God is good) shows faith in God's character. They also show how old Igbo beliefs still exist in today’s Christianity. The work suggested that more of these names should be written down and kept safe because they matter to the Igbo language, culture, and spirit. The research recommended that more of these names should be documented and preserved because they are an important part of the Igbo language, culture, and spirituality. In summary, the study showed that Igbo names for God are living signs that join together language, faith, and identity in a powerful way.

This research titled "Semiotic analysis of names associated with God in Igbo language" studied how Igbo God- names are more than just labels for the divine. These names also have deep cultural, religious, and social meanings. The goal was to learn what they mean, what forms they take, their purpose in Igbo culture, and how they have changed. The work looked at names that tell about God’s character, what God does, and God's relationship with people. It shows how they link old Traditional customs with today’s Christian ways. Exactly 120 names were gathered from talks with people, church records, naming events, social media, songs, journals, everyday talk and stories passed down using one on one interviews and voice recordings. These names were studied using ideas about signs from Saussure, Peirce, Barthes, and Eco. The study found that Igbo God- names act as signs of belief, records of what happened to people and the community, and ways to pass values down. For instance, Chukwuemeka (God has done great deeds) shows thankfulness and Chidinma (God is good) shows faith in God's character. They also show how old Igbo beliefs still exist in today’s Christianity. The work suggested that more of these names should be written down and kept safe because they matter to the Igbo language, culture, and spirit. The research recommended that more of these names should be documented and preserved because they are an important part of the Igbo language, culture, and spirituality. In summary, the study showed that Igbo names for God are living signs that join together language, faith, and identity in a powerful way.