2025

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.

This study investigates gender-based violence (GBV) against women with physical disabilities in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, using a research methodology grounded in the Social Model of Disability and Feminist Theory. The chapter outlines the research design, population, sampling strategy, research instrument, methods of data collection and analysis, as well as ethical considerations and limitations. The methodology was carefully designed to ensure validity, reliability, and contextual relevance, with emphasis on the intersection of disability and gender in shaping experiences of GBV. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, enabling the collection of data at a single point in time to examine the prevalence, forms, and determinants of GBV without manipulating the study environment.. This design provided a cost-effective and efficient means of capturing both descriptive and correlational data within a sensitive and localized context. The target population included women aged 18years and above with physical disabilities in Oredo, estimated at approximately 125 based on data from the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and community health records. Stratified random sampling was adopted to ensure representation across age categories and types of physical disabilities, thereby reflecting the intersectional vulnerabilities emphasized in Feminist Theory. The study’s sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula, resulting in approximately 100 respondents to account for potential non-responses. Data was collected using the Women’s Safety and Support Questionnaire (WSSQ), a structured and culturally sensitive instrument developed to measure GBV prevalence, socioeconomic vulnerabilities, mental health impacts, and coping strategies. The instrument incorporated standardized items from validated tools such as the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence, complemented by open-ended questions for qualitative insights. Accessibility considerations included large-print versions and provisions for oral administration. Validity and reliability were ensured through expert consultation, alignment with established instruments, and a pilot test with 10 respondents. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of ≥0.7 confirmed internal consistency. Data collection was carried out by trained assistants using in-person and online administration, with sensitivity training provided to address disability inclusion and GBV-related issues. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS, alongside thematic analysis for qualitative responses.

The intelligent partial replacement of fine aggregate with periwinkle shell in sandcrete blocks have emerged as a sustainable approach to address the environmental and economic challenges associated with conventional sanderete block production. Periwinkle shells, a marine waste abundant in coastal regions like Nigeria, are primarily composed of calcium carbonate (-95%) and have a low specific gravity (1.3-1.4 g/em'), making them a viable lightweight substitute for river sand. Studies, such as those by Ichetaonge et al.(2023) and Osarenmwinda and Aigbogun (2017), demonstrate that replacing fine aggregate with crushed periwinkle shell (CPWS) at levels up to 15% achieves compressive strengths of 2.0-3.0 MPa, meeting the Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS 87:2000) for non-load bearing walls. The well-graded particle size distribution of CPWS (coefficient of uniformity = 6.58) enhances its suitability, but its high water absorption (10-20%) and reduced workability necessitate optimized mix designs, often incorporating admixtures like superplasticizers or pozzolanie materials such as fly ash to improve performance. The mechanical and durability properties of CPWS-based sandcrete blocks are influenced by replacement levels, mix proportions, and curing methods, Research indicates that compressive strength decreases with higher CPWS content, with significant reductions beyond 20% replacement (c.g., 18.00 N/mm? at 50% replacement, Osarenmwinda and Aigbogun, 2017). The use of CPWS promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on river sand. mitigating the ecological damage caused by dredging, and repurposing marine waste, thus supporting circular economy principles (Ede et al., 2016). Also CPWS-based blocks reduce
construction costs by 15 -20% and create local jobs through shell processing.

This essay studies the impacts of human activities on the decline of the environment and on nature in a bid to criticise the arbitrariness of the use of nature’s resources. This essay also examines the beauty of nature to enhance the protection and preservation of nature. This essay discusses the relationship of man with his environment by highlighting the harmony nature possesses. Through the use of poetry, this essay elucidates on aspects that have been covered by authors, but not by poets, reflecting the importance of poetry on nature. The method of research employed in this study is eco-criticism, and the primary data is Niyi Osundare’s The Eye of the Earth, from which selected poems are used. The analysis of the selected poems shall undergo line by line analysis and exploring the literary devices that enhance the main purpose of this essay. The results of the analysis are illustrations of nature decline as a result of human’s irrational use, and therefore the beauty of nature is tampered with. These results give an opinion on how the environment should be treated, adding that the preservation of nature will improve the living standards of humanity.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of selected aromatic pepper spices on the organoleptic and microbial qualities of oven-dried Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) fillets stored at ambient temperature. Fresh fillets were seasoned with 2% (w/w) of three different pepper spices Scotch Bonnet (Capsicum chinense), Cayenne (Capsicum annuum), and Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) and compared with not spiced (control) samples. The spiced and not-spiced fillets were oven-dried at 100°C for 5 hours, packaged in sterile ziploc bags, and stored at room temperature (28 ± 2 °C) for 14 days. Microbiological, and sensory analyses were conducted at 7-day intervals to assess changes during storage. Results revealed that the spice treatments and storage durations significantly (P < 0.05) affected the sensory and microbial qualities of the fish samples. On Day 1, all samples exhibited high sensory ratings across appearance, aroma, taste, and overall acceptability (3.8 – 4.6), but these values declined progressively by Day 14. Cayenne and Bell Peppertreated samples retained relatively higher flavour and acceptability scores than Scotch Bonnet and the control, suggesting mild preservative or antioxidant effects. Microbial counts increased with storage time, with bacterial loads ranging from 7.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Bell Pepper-treated samples to 240.0 × 10⁻³ cfu/g in Cayenne-treated fillets samples after 14 days. Proteus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus sp. were among the predominant bacterial isolates, while Aspergillus flavus, Mucor sp., and Penicillium species were the most common detected fungi. Ultimately, bell Pepper proved to be the most effective in inhibiting microbial proliferation and maintaining product acceptability.

The aim of this project is to conduct a semantic analysis of child-related personal names in the Edo community to uncover the underlying cultural meanings and social implications they convey. The objectives are to categorize child-related names in the Edo community by their semantic themes, including struggle, aspiration, blessings, and authority to analyze the cultural significance of these names and their role in shaping individual and familial identities within the Edo society; and to explore how these names reflect and influence the community's perceptions of child and success, highlighting their societal relevance. The method of data collection for this study was a mixed-methods approach, combining both primary and secondary language samples. The findings interpreted the data collected by linking the semantic themes to Ẹdó cultural beliefs. It showed how names involving Òmo "Child" are not arbitrary but are meaningful expressions of faith, identity, social values, and divine connection. The study recommends further studies by researchers, scholars or anyone interested in the sematic implicature of “Omo” child can vary based on social, cultural and situational factors. The exact meaning is therefore not strictly lexical but its inferred through context and shared cultural knowledge. Thus the use of “omo” child demonstrate how Edo speakers employ pragmatic reasoning to move beyond literal meaning, highlighting the role of implicature in understanding every day communication.

This study investigates the impact of corporate sustainability committees (CSCs) on corporate financial performance (CFP) among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria from 2018 to 2023. The research examines four major characteristics of sustainability committees: size, independence, gender diversity, and due diligence, and their influence on financial performance measured by Return on Assets (ROA). Anchored on Stakeholder Theory, the study adopts a longitudinal research design using secondary data derived from annual reports, sustainability disclosures, and financial statements of 30 purposively selected firms. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, diagnostic tests, and Fully Modified Least Squares (FMOLS) regression were employed to analyse the data and establish relationships among variables. The empirical findings reveal that committee independence has a significant positive effect on corporate financial performance, implying that independent directors enhance governance quality and decision-making transparency. In contrast, due diligence practices exhibit a significant negative relationship with financial performance, suggesting that increased compliance efforts may impose short-term financial costs. Committee size and gender diversity, however, show no statistically significant influence on financial performance, indicating that structural and demographic attributes alone may not determine financial outcomes. The study concludes that sustainability committee independence is a crucial determinant of financial success, as it strengthens accountability and stakeholder confidence. The study recommends that firms prioritize appointing independent directors to sustainability committees, implement cost-effective compliance strategies, and view gender diversity as part of broader corporate social responsibility initiatives to promote both sustainable and profitable corporate governance.