2025

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is widely known for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties, with its extracts being used in traditional and modern medicine. Due to the increasing resistance of bacteria to conventional antibiotics, plant-based antimicrobials have gained attention as alternative therapeutic agents. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of hot and cold water extracts of Lemongrass leaves against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides in both extracts, with glycosides being more prominent in the hot extract. Saponins, steroids, and terpenoids were absent. Antibacterial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method, where the hot extract showed higher zones of inhibition at 100% concentration: S. aureus (13.00 ± 0.00 mm), E. coli (16.00 ± 0.00 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (18.20 ± 0.00 mm), compared to the cold extract: S. aureus (9.0 ± 0.50 mm), E. coli (11.20 ± 0.20 mm), and Pseudomonas sp. (12.00 ± 0.00 mm). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) revealed that the hot extract inhibited E. coli at 25 mg/ml, Pseudomonas sp. at 50 mg/ml, and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml, while the cold extract only inhibited Pseudomonas sp. at 100 mg/ml and S. aureus at 25 mg/ml. Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) results showed that the hot extract was bactericidal against S. aureus and bacteriostatic against E. coli and Pseudomonas sp., while the cold extract was bactericidal against Pseudomonas sp. and bacteriostatic against the other isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing indicated that Gram-positive bacteria were highly susceptible to ciprofloxacin, while Gram-negative bacteria were sensitive to azithromycin. These results highlight the potential application of Cymbopogon citratus as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.

The rapid digital transformation across global industries has intensified the demand for modern technical skills, exposing significant skill gaps within African labour markets. Traditional labour forecasting methods, which rely on surveys and static reports, struggle to capture evolving workforce trends and often fail to provide timely, data-driven insights. This limitation motivates the adoption of machine learning-based analytical models capable of identifying emerging skill patterns from historical job market data. This study aims to develop and evaluate a predictive system for forecasting skill demand using structured datasets collected from African job portals. Specifically, the research applies Linear Regression as the core forecasting model to estimate future demand trends for key digital skills. The methodology involves a complete data preprocessing pipeline consisting of cleaning, normalization, and restructuring job-skill frequency data into model-readable formats. A curated dataset covering multiple skills across four years was used, and the system was implemented using Python and Streamlit for interactive visualization. Model performance was assessed using accuracy, trend-direction consistency, and graphical evaluation metrics derived from observed versus predicted values. Results show that the Linear Regression model accurately captured general growth patterns for high-demand digital skills such as Python and Data Analysis, achieving strong alignment between historical trajectories and forecasted values. The deployed system demonstrated stability, fast response time, and ease of use, enabling real-time skill trend visualization and one-step-ahead forecasting. The study confirms the potential of machine learning approaches for supporting labour market analysis in Africa. However, limitations include restricted dataset size, reliance on numerical trend features, and absence of deep learning models such as LSTM, which may better capture complex temporal dependencies. Future research should incorporate larger datasets, integrate natural language processing for extracting skills from job descriptions, and extend the forecasting engine to more advanced time-series models for improved prediction accuracy and adaptability.

Colorectal cancer is a major health concern worldwide, characterized by uncontrolled cell growth in the colon or rectum. While conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery exist, they can be physically and emotionally taxing. This study investigates the ameliorating effects of chloroform extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)- induced colorectal cancer in Wistar rats. The research aimed to determine the potential of these plant extracts in mitigating oxidative stress and tissue damage caused by DMH exposure. 18 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a DMH-only group, and a treatment group receiving DMH along with 250 mg/kg of the chloroform extract. DMH was administered orally using a dolphin’s gavage for 8 weeks (twice a week).At the end of DMH administration, 250 mg/kg bwt of Chloroform fraction of P.amarus and P.guinensis were administered with the aid of a dolphin’s gavage for 2 weeks (daily) treatment period. Biochemical markers such as liver and kidney function enzymes, oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and malondialdehyde), and serum electrolytes as well as Tumor Protein 53(TP53)were analyzed. The results indicated a significant increase in oxidative stress markers in the DMH-only group, while rats treated with the plant extracts exhibited improved antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced markers of tissue damage. These findings suggest that Phyllanthus amarus and Piper guineense possess potential chemoprotective properties against DMH-induced colorectal cancer through antioxidant mechanisms. Further research is necessary to explore their clinical applicability and potential therapeutic benefits in cancer prevention and treatment.

This study evaluates the impact of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) intervention in national economies, using Nigeria from 1985 to 2007 as a case study. This period represents a critical era in Nigeria’s economic history, characterized by the adoption of the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986 and subsequent macroeconomic reforms aimed at addressing fiscal crises, balance of payments deficits, and structural distortions. The primary objective of this research is to analyze how IMF-backed policies—specifically currency devaluation, deregulation, subsidy removal, and trade liberalization—affected Nigeria's economic growth, inflation rates, and social welfare. Utilizing a historical and analytical research design, the study relies on secondary data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), IMF archives, and relevant economic literature. The data are analyzed using qualitative historical analysis alongside descriptive macroeconomic trends. Findings indicate that while IMF interventions aimed to restore fiscal discipline and market efficiency, the stringent conditionalities led to severe unintended consequences. These included hyperinflation, a drastic decline in the standard of living, and the collapse of local industries, which ultimately exacerbated poverty levels. The study concludes that standard, one-size-fits-all IMF prescriptions often fail to account for the unique socio-political and structural realities of developing economies like Nigeria. Consequently, the study recommends that the Nigerian government prioritize homegrown economic frameworks, strengthen institutional capacity, and negotiate flexible credit terms in future engagements with international financial institutions to ensure sustainable economic development.

This study focused on the green synthesis of copper chloride (CuCl2) nanoparticles using onion peel extract as an eco-friendly reducing and stabilizing agent, and evaluated their efficacy in the photocatalytic degradation of crude oil in contaminated wastewater. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS),X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier- Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. DLS confirmed the formation of nanoparticles with a primary size of 16.25 nm, XRD determined the crystalline phase of the nanoparticles, TGA measured the thermal stability and decomposition temperature, SEM visualized the particle size, shape, surface texture while FTIR analysis identified functional groups from the onion peel extract, verifying its role in capping and stabilizing the particles. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles was assessed by studying the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) under sunlight, investigating the effects of catalyst dose, pH, temperature, and initial pollutant concentration. Results demonstrated that the green-synthesized CuCl2 nanoparticles were effective in degrading crude oil components, with optimal performance observed under specific conditions. This indicates that onion peel-mediated CuCl2 nanoparticles present a sustainable, cost-effective, and promising photocatalyst for remediating crude oil-contaminated water, offering a potential solution for environmental cleanup, particularly in oil producing regions like the Niger Delta.

This study examined the degree of application of the Culturo-Techno-Contextual Approach (CTCA) in the teaching of Biology among Biology teachers in public senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study sought to determine teachers’ level of awareness of CTCA, examine the extent to which they integrate cultural, technological, and contextual elements in Biology instruction, and identify the challenges affecting its implementation. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. The population of the study consisted of all Biology teachers in public senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. A census survey was used, and all 17 Biology teachers in Egor Local Government Area formed the sample for the study. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire designed on a four-point Likert scale, ranging from Strongly Agree (4) to Strongly Disagree (1). The questionnaire comprised Sections A, B, C, and D, making a total of 19 items. Section A elicited demographic information from the respondents, while Sections B, C, and D contained five items each. The instrument was administered and retrieved on the spot. The data collected were analyzed using frequencies and simple percentages to provide a clear understanding of the responses and to enable meaningful interpretation. Findings showed that Biology teachers in public senior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State are familiar with the concept of CTCA, but they lack formal training on its practical application in the classroom. The study further revealed that the degree of integration of CTCA principles in Biology teaching is modest but not extensive. Additionally, several challenges were identified as limiting the full implementation of CTCA, including inadequate training opportunities, poor access to technological facilities, and language barriers. The study concluded that the Culturo- Techno-Contextual Approach is yet to be fully understood and effectively implemented by Biology teachers in senior secondary schools. It recommended regular CTCA training for 9 teachers through workshops and seminars organized by the Ministry of Education in Faculty of Education of Universities. The study also emphasized the need for better technological resources in schools to support CTCA implementation and encouraged curriculum planners to revise the Biology curriculum to allow greater cultural and contextual flexibility in teaching.

Despite the availability of palm fruit digesters in Nigeria, many of them remain inefficient due to outdated designs, poor material choices that increases the susceptibility to corrosion, and poor hygiene, as a result the aim of this project is to design and fabricate an improved vertical palm fruit digester with enhanced efficiency, hygiene and durability, suitable for small to medium- scale processing, specifically but not limited to South-South Nigeria. To address these challenges, the improved digester incorporates stainless steel for fabrication material to prevent rust and contamination. The digester employs a vertical chamber with an optimized shaft and angled beater arms to ensure thorough maceration of the palm fruit without damaging the nuts. Material selection, fabrication, and performance testing, which involved sourcing of fresh palm fruit bunches that were sterilized by boiling (increasing the efficiency of maceration) and then digested in controlled batches of varying masses (7kg, 9kg, 10kg and lastly 10kg. Total of 36kg) led to the gathering of data for improved results. The performance of the digester was evaluated based on digestion time, throughput capacity, effectiveness of maceration and the quality of sludge produced. The results gathered indicated that the improved digester was capable of processing a total of 36kg boiled palm fruit in 1020 seconds, with the digestion time increasing proportionally with the size of palm fruit batch. The digester achieved an average throughput of 127kg/hr, which demonstrates improved efficiency compared to traditional small-scale digesters. The use of stainless steel eradicates the issue of corrosion seen in mild steel designs, therefore enhancing durability and preventing contamination. The fabricated vertical palm fruit digester offers a significant improvement in efficiency (approximately 95%), durability and product quality making it a preferable choice for small-scale palm oil processing.

The attainment of clinical competence is a pivotal requirement in radiography education, fundamentally relying on intensive supervision and tailored practical instruction. This investigation systematically assesses the detrimental influence exerted by elevated student-to-instructor ratios on the clinical proficiency developed by radiography students within the Nigerian context. Due to burgeoning institutional enrolments, juxtaposed with a scarcity of qualified clinical instructors, many students experience a demonstrable restriction in opportunities for essential hands-on training and individualized evaluative feedback. Employing a rigorous mixed-methods research design, which integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with both students and faculty members across accredited radiography institutions, the study delineates critical operational challenges. The principal findings confirm major obstacles, including insufficient direct clinical supervision, curtailed practical exposure, and a resultant compromise in the acquisition of specialized skills. Consequently, the study advocates for strategic reforms encompassing the augmentation of instructor staffing, the implementation of highly structured clinical rotation protocols, and necessary policy adjustments. These measures are crucial for the amelioration of radiographic training standards and for guaranteeing the production of competent and workforce-ready practitioners in the future.

Many rural areas in Nigeria lack access to reliable electricity, making everyday tasks like mobile phone charging difficult. To address this issue, this project focuses on the design and development of a mobile solar charger that provides a sustainable, off-grid charging solution for remote communities. By harnessing solar energy, a clean and renewable resource, the system offers an eco-friendly alternative to conventional grid-based charging, enabling individuals to charge their phones without depending on unstable electricity infrastructure. The design process involved careful selection of components to ensure efficiency, durability, and high power output. The system integrates a solar panel, a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) to optimize power extraction, a rechargeable battery for energy storage, and a synchronous buck converter to regulate the power supplied for charging. To enhance portability and durability, a custom enclosure was fabricated using iron angle bars and sheets, with cutting, welding, and assembling techniques used to create a lightweight but robust housing for the components. The final system can charge up to twenty mobile phones simultaneously, making it a highly efficient solution for rural areas with high demand for mobile power. By incorporating MPPT technology and efficient power conversion, the system ensures maximum energy utilization even in fluctuating sunlight conditions. This project provides a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to improve connectivity in underserved communities, empowering them with a reliable source of power for mobile communication.

This study examines the processes of word formation in Benin Pidgin within the framework of the Lexical Morphology Theory (LMT). The research investigates how new words are created, structured, and used in Benin Pidgin, with particular attention to the linguistic creativity that characterizes the language. Contrary to the common perception of Benin Pidgin as a “broken” or unstructured form of English, this study demonstrates that it possesses an organized morphological system governed by identifiable linguistic rules. Data for the study were collected from natural speech contexts, popular media, and informal interviews in Benin City, Lagos, Warri, and Port Harcourt. The analysis focused on six major morphological processes observed in Benin Pidgin reduplication, compounding, affixation, clipping, blending, and borrowing all of which contribute to lexical expansion and communicative efficiency. The Lexical Morphology Theory provided the analytical framework for classifying these processes across the derivational, inflectional, and post-lexical strata of morphology. Findings reveal that word formation in Benin Pidgin is both systematic and innovative. While the language exhibits limited inflectional morphology, it shows high productivity in derivation and post-lexical creativity. Reduplication and compounding are the most frequent and culturally grounded processes, while blending and borrowing reflect urbanization and multilingual interaction. The study concludes that Benin Pidgin is a linguistically rich and evolving language that mirrors the cultural diversity and adaptability of its speakers. The study recommends further research into syntactic and semantic aspects of Benin Pidgin, as well as the development of a standardized morphological corpus to aid documentation, teaching, and preservation of the language