2025

Background: Task-shifting in primary healthcare was an initiative long adopted by the Federal Ministry of Health to assist in ensuring human resource maximization for universal health coverage especially across domains of reproductive, maternal, child health, family planning, and high prevalence communicable illness like tuberculosis and malaria. Despite its potential, only some states have adopted and begun implementation of the strategy, and among states that have adopted it like Edo State, the necessary assessment to understand the implementation level, acceptance, integration status and concerns of health workers about it locally, is limited. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, perception and barriers to task-shifting among primary healthcare workers in Benin-City. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 healthcare workers selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, self and interviewer administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, perception, barriers and enablers to task-shifting. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0. Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chi square tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and perception. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good knowledge and perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 120 respondents participated, with a mean age of 35.9 ± 8.6 years, with females being 112 (93.3%), males 8 (6.7%). Those who demonstrated good knowledge were 37 (30.8%), and those with poor knowledge 83 (69.2%). Receiving training on task-shifting was found to be statistically significant and associated with knowledge, as those with prior training had good knowledge (59.9%) record than those without (17%) (χ²: 21.455; p < 0.001). Perception of task-shifting was mixed, as good and poor perception were almost equally distributed at 59 (49.2%) and 61 (50.8%) respectively. Age was significantly associated with perception, and was also a significant predictor of knowledge, with increasing age associated with reduced likelihood of positive perception (OR = 0.927; p = 0.024). Workers with 5 – 9 years of experience were also less likely to have positive perception of task-shifting (OR = 0.165, 95% CI: 0.031–0.872, p = 0.034). The barriers to task-shifting encountered most by respondents were inadequate training and knowledge gaps (mean score: 3.99 ± 1.19), lack of clear job description or role boundary (3.74 ± 1.28), inadequate supervision or monitoring (3.64 ± 1.28), lack of incentives or recognition (3.54 ± 1.33), resistance from higher cadres, shortage of staff and related issues were also mentioned as challenges/barriers. The enablers reported were adequate training, and supportive supervision (3.90 ± 1.42), availability of clear policy guideline (3.93 ± 1.42), teamwork and collaboration among cadres (3.77 ± 1.41), support from management and policy makers (3.79 ± 1.41). Conclusion: Primary healthcare workers in Benin-City had predominantly poor knowledge of task-shifting and the national task-shifting policy, coupled with mixed perception of task-shifting. Inadequate knowledge or training among staff, lack of clear job descriptions or roles, inadequate supervision or mentoring, lack of incentives or recognition were the identified barriers, while adequate training and supportive supervision, provision of policy guidelines, teamwork and inter-cadre collaboration, and support from management and policy makers were named among enablers. There should be concerted efforts to improve knowledge and perception of task- shifting through training and adequate supervision provision; this will also remove barriers to task-shifting.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease of major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, with school-aged children at particular risk due to frequent water contact. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children in Usen community, Edo state, Nigeria. This study determined the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium among school children and examined its association with demographic and behavioral factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 50 students of Ilawure Grammar School, Usen. Urine samples were collected between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and examined microscopically after centrifugation for Schistosoma haematobium eggs and red blood cells. Demographic and behavioral data were obtained using structured questionnaires and analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium was 16.0% (8/50). Infection was higher among males (15.4%) and among older children aged 18–20 years (25.0%), though differences by age and sex were not statistically significant. River/stream contact was significantly associated with infection (24.2%, p = 0.037). Other factors such as urinating in rivers, walking barefoot, and lack of toilet facilities showed higher proportions of infection but were not statistically significant. Children with prior knowledge of water protection practices were significantly less likely to be infected (p = 0.004). The study confirms that urinary schistosomiasis remains endemic in Usen Community. Health education, improved sanitation, safe water provision, and strengthened school-based interventions including mass drug administration are recommended to reduce infection among school-aged children.

This study investigated the impact of hands-on activities on students’ engagement in Biology lessons in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The main purpose was to determine whether practical, activity-based instructional methods improve students’ interest, participation, and attendance in Biology classes compared to traditional teaching methods. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 100 senior secondary school students across four schools using a structured questionnaire based on three research questions. The questionnaire was validated by the supervisor and two other lecturers from the department of Curriculum and Instructional Technology and its reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings revealed that hands-on activities significantly enhanced students ’ engagement in Biology lessons. Specifically, students exposed to hands-on methods demonstrated higher levels of interest, improved participation, and better attendance rates than those taught with traditional approaches. The results suggest that activity-based learning fosters deeper understanding and sustains learners’ motivation in Biology. Based on these findings, the study recommends that Biology teachers adopt hands-on strategies such as experiments, models, fieldwork, and group projects to stimulate student engagement. It further suggests that schools and education stakeholders provide adequate instructional materials and support for practical learning.

The principle of Maximum Power Transfer dictates that for a source to deliver maximum power to a load, the load impedance must be equal to the complex conjugate of the source impedance. In practical power delivery systems, particularly those with dynamic or reactive loads, this condition is rarely met, leading to significant power loss and reduced system efficiency. This project addresses the challenge of impedance mismatch by designing and implementing a Smart Load Matching Circuit that utilizes a microcontroller-based system to dynamically adjust the transformer tap position. The system employs voltage and current sensors to measure real-time source and load parameters, allowing the central Arduino microcontroller to calculate the instantaneous impedance. Based on a predefined control algorithm, the Arduino activates a bank of Single-Pole Double-Throw (SPDT) relays to switch the multi-tap transformer to the optimal winding ratio, thereby achieving the closest possible impedance match. The primary objective is to maximize power transfer efficiency under varying load conditions. The implementation and testing of this circuit demonstrate a significant improvement in power transfer efficiency compared to a fixed-tap system, validating the use of smart, dynamic control in addressing impedance mismatch in power electronics.

This study examined the role of women rights lawyer in Nigeria’s national development: A case study of Federation of International Women Lawyer (FIDA). The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as research instrument. The data was analysed using percentage. The result showed that Women right Lawyers are able to protect women from domestic violence and discrimination through legislation in Nigeria. Women right Lawyer can contribute to improvement of government’s ability to effectively strengthen the capacity of women in legal professionals. Women right Lawyer can promote and preserve the rights and well-being of women and children. Women right Lawyer can advocate for gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) of women in Nigeria. The study recommends that women right Lawyers should make their function and operations accessible to local women suffering from domestic violence and discrimination through legislation in Nigeria. Women right Lawyer should collaborate with government to improve the capacity of women in legal professionals. Women right Lawyer should liase with women affair ministry to preserve the rights and well-being of women and children. Women right Lawyer should be encourage to frequently advocate for gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) of women in Nigeria.

This study evaluated liver function of diabetic rat treated with ethanol extract of Chrysophyllum albidum stem back. Diabetes was induced intraperitoneally in the rat with streptozotocin [STZ, 40mg/kg body weight (bwt)], and rats with fasting blood glucose levels exceeding 200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. Animals were treated with 200 mg/kg bwt ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark or 50 mg/kg bwt metformin for 14 days, with a diabetic control group receiving no treatment. Fasting blood glucose levels were monitored using an Accu-check glucometer before and during treatment. Blood sample collected after euthenization were used for biochemical analysis. Results showed a significant reduction in blood glucose level in metformin group compared to Ethanol extract of C.albidum (p < 0.05). Activities of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the plasma shown no significant increase when compared to control (p>0.05). Similarly, Albumin and Bilirubin concentration show no significant increase (p>0.05). These findings suggest that ethanol extract of C. albidum stem bark particularly at 200 mg/kg bwt, exerts significant ethnomedicinal effect on diabetic rat liver.

This study seeks to examine the factors responsible for students' failure in the English language taking Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State as a case study. The blame has continued to be shifted from teachers to parents, government, students and the society regarding who is responsible for students' failure in the English language in secondary schools. It is against this background the study seeks to find out who is responsible, with close attention to the poor formative assessment practice of English lessons by teachers and promotion of students irrespective of their failure in English at a lower level. Four research questions were raised to guide the study, and a survey research design was adopted for the conduct of the study with the use of a questionnaire as the instrument for gathering data to answer the research questions. The use of mean, standard deviation, frequency count and tables were used to present the results for ease of discussion and interpretation. The results show that teachers, government, students and parents contribute to the existence of this problem. The study concluded that the poor formative assessment practice by English teachers and the practice of promotion of students irrespective of their failure in English at a lower level contribute highly to students' failure in their certificate examinations. Finally, appropriate recommendations like regular supervision of teachers' classwork to ensure formative assessment is practised etc were given to solve the present and recurring problem.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract on intraocular pressure (IOP) and blood pressure (BP) in normotensive individuals. A total of 40 university students (22 males, 18 females) aged 18-29 years (mean age: 24.3 ± 3.20 years) participated in this study. The participants were divided into four groups: three experimental groups (A, B, C) and a control group (D), each consisting of 10 normotensive subjects. Baseline IOP and BP measurements were obtained using an iCare TA01i Tonometer and a HEM-7124 blood pressure monitor, respectively. The experimental groups received graded doses of Hibiscus Sabdariffa aqueous extract, and IOP and BP measurements were taken at 30-, 60-, 90-, and 120-minutes post-ingestion. The results showed a significant decrease in IOP in the left eye, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05), and the most substantial reduction occurred at 120 minutes post-ingestion. Additionally, the effect of Hibiscus Sabdariffa on BP was found to be dose-dependent, with a statistically significant effect observed (p < 0.05). This study recommends that potential integration of Hibiscus sabdariffa leaf aqueous extract as a complementary therapy in the management of certain ocular conditions warrants further consideration. However, additional research is needed to fully elucidate its therapeutic potential and safety profile Keywords: Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Intraocular pressure, Blood pressure and Normotensives.

The study evaluates the economic impact of procurement practice on academic performance of University of Benin and Igbinedion University in Edo state. Specifically, the survey assessed the effect of procurement planning, supply evaluation, contract management, procurement staff competency, and inventory management on academic performance. The sample size of 120 respondents- 60 respondents from each university, were purposively chosen from the population comprising all staff members directly engaged in procurement activities at the University of Benin and Igbinedion University. The data employed the primary method of data collection with the aid of structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was carried out on the data and the analyse was conducted using linear regression technique. The findings from the analysis demonstrates that procurement planning has a positive and statistically significant effect on university performance, supplier evaluation shows a negative and significant relationship with university performance, contract management displays a negative and significant coefficient while staff competency has a significant positive effect on university performance, and lastly inventory management though positive, was statistically insignificant. The findings indicate that while procurement practices are critical to institutional effectiveness, their impact is inconsistent and often undermined by systemic weaknesses. It is recommended that Universities should adopt participatory planning frameworks that involve end-users, align procurement needs with budget realities, and minimize bureaucratic delays, and Regular training, professional certification, and regulatory awareness programs should be instituted to improve the competence of procurement staff.

This research addresses critical challenges in Nigerian e-commerce through the development of a web-based Competitive Analysis System (CAS). The system tackles persistent issues of product authenticity verification, inaccurate descriptions, and limited competitive intelligence that undermine consumer trust and vendor competitiveness. Built on a Django REST Framework and React.js architecture with MySQL database management, the system integrates computer vision technology using Convolutional Neural Networks and FAISS similarity search, achieving 97% accuracy in product image verification. Natural Language Processing pipelines validate description accuracy against visual content, while automated web scraping modules provide real-time competitor intelligence across major e-commerce platforms. The research successfully delivered a fully functional platform that enables multi-vendor product comparison, automated verification, and competitive analysis. The system's theoretical framework combines Technology Acceptance Model with trust theory, specifically addressing the unique socio-technical challenges of emerging e-commerce markets. Practical implementation provides SMEs with accessible competitive intelligence tools while establishing new standards for transparency in digital commerce. The CAS platform demonstrates that integrating artificial intelligence and real-time analytics can effectively address core e-commerce challenges in developing economies, offering a scalable solution for enhancing market transparency and consumer confidence through verified product listings and data-driven vendor insights.