2025

The study goal was focused on examining the impact of social media use on interpersonal relationships among couples. In achieving the study goal, specific objectives were developed that include: investigating the opportunities and potential problems created by social media usage on interpersonal relationships among couples; assessing the preference for social media on interpersonal relationships among couples as a means of communication; and ascertaining the impact of social media use on interpersonal relationship among couples. Adopting the survey research design, the primary source served as the means of gathering the study's data. Data collected from respondents using a questionnaire was then used for additional analysis. This study also used the snowballing sampling technique. From the entire population, 110 people who are or have been in relationships were chosen as a sample using the snowballing method, though 109 respondents actually competed the questionnaire. The questionnaire, which allowed for the collection of data from respondents, served as the survey research instrument. Utilising both descriptive and inferential statistics, the study found that among other things, distraction was the common factor that affected couples that are engrossed in the use of social media. The study therefore concludes that some of the challenges arising in interrelationship among couples and affect their relationships include distraction, easy communication, sharing of information, staying connected, entertainment and suspicion of distrust. Despite recognising some benefits, the study recommends that couples should be open to each other despite on the extent of the use of social media.

The study evaluate land tenure of taungya farm in Edo State, Nigeria. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources. The primary data were obtained through the use of well-structured questionnaire administered on 127 respondents in six local government areas practicing taungya farming in government reserved forest. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics summarized in tables and charts and inferential statistics with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of significant difference. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) among the various locations of the respondents farm land, which dominate any other location considered in the studies. The result shows that the state ownership stood at 69% while other forms of ownership by the respondents were communal, traditional, and private ownership which accounted for 16, 11 and 4% respectively. The results also showed that majority (60%) of the respondents affirmed that their farm size ranges from 2-4 hectares. While 24% and 16% of the respondents had less than 2 hectares and 5-7 hectares respectively. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) in land rate per hectare among the various years under review. The rate accruable in 2020 till-date differ significantly (P<0.05) from every other year under review. The results revealed the various sources of financing the taungya farm, the study confirms that 54% of the respondents obtained their source in financing the taungya farm practice through individual/personal contribution. 18%, 16% and 12% of the respondents affirmed for borrowed money, government grant and government loan respectively. The results revealed significant difference (P<0.05) between the selling price and cost price of the arable crops under review. The selling prices dominated the cost prices of the arable crops in taungya practices. Despite the profitablility measure and yield from the farming system, the farmers experience inadequate minority from the relevant authorities through the duration for land use rent and incentives from government is one of the mitigation the taungya farmer agitated for in the study area.

This study assessed the quality of drinking water in households within Utagban Community, Benin City, Nigeria, an area largely inhabited by artisans and small business owners who depend on sachet, borehole, and well water for domestic use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the drinking water quality and household water management and hygiene practices, in Utagban community. The study examined physicochemical characteristics, and determined the levels of total heterotrophic bacteria, coliforms, and Escherichia coli across various water sources. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the various household hygiene practices. Water samples (25) were aseptically collected from household for laboratory analysis. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), and salinity were measured using a digital water quality meter, while microbiological analysis was conducted using the spread plate technique on Nutrient Agar and Chromogenic Coliform Agar to quantify bacterial loads. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 and Microsoft Excel. Results showed that sachet water was the most consumed (67%), followed by borehole water (30%) and well water (2%). Physicochemical parameters were generally within WHO limits, with pH ranging from 6.2 to 7.7. Mean heterotrophic bacterial counts varied from 0 to 82×10² CFU/mL, highest in well water. Coliforms were detected in borehole and sachet water but absent in bottled water, and E. coli was not found in any sample. The findings highlight moderate microbiological contamination in some water sources, underscoring the need for regular monitoring and improved household hygiene practices to ensure safe drinking water.

This study explores the role of Nigerian English in defraying tension within online social media interactions, focusing on humour, particularly satire, irony, wordplay, and the use of indigenous Nigerian languages on platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The research examines how humour functions as a coping mechanism, providing emotional relief and fostering social solidarity among Nigerians during politically charged discussions, socio-economic challenges, and national debates. Utilizing Relief Theory, Superiority Theory, and Socio-Cognitive Theory (Critical Discourse Analysis), the study analyzes humour strategies that help manage conflict and critique political systems. Data was gathered through purposive sampling of posts, comments, and memes, spanning from 2018 to 2025. The findings reveal that humour in Nigerian English, when combined with indigenous languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Pidgin, serves as a powerful tool for both emotional release and social bonding. This humour allows Nigerians to laugh at their political and socio-economic frustrations, asserting a sense of superiority over the political elite while promoting a collective identity. Additionally, the study underscores the psychological and social functions of humour as a discursive strategy for alleviating tension and fostering resilience. The research contributes to the understanding of Nigerian English as a dynamic linguistic tool in digital communication, offering new insights into the intersection of language, humour, and social solidarity in the context of Nigeria's socio-political landscape.

This study examines language loyalty and language preference: the case study of Benin youths in Edo linguistics in University of Benin, focusing on their attitudes and use of the Edo (Benin) language. Data were collected from twenty eight (28) respondents through questionnaires and analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. The findings show that although most respondents feel proud of the Edo language and believe it should be preserved, many prefer using English and Pidgin English in daily and academic interactions. This reveals a growing language shift, where Edo is valued for cultural identity but used less in practice. The study concludes that while language loyalty remains strong, actual use of Edo is declining. It recommends promoting the language through education, media, and family communication to sustain it among future generations.

This study assessed DNA damage in commercial drivers exposed to vehicular emissions at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Main Gate, Benin City, using the micronucleus assay of buccal cells. Vehicular emissions are a major source of air pollution containing genotoxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can induce chromosomal damage. A comparative cross-sectional design was used, involving 25 exposed drivers and 9 non-exposed controls. Buccal epithelial cells were collected using sterile wooden spatulas, fixed in Carnoy’s reagent, and stained with May-Grünwald–Giemsa for microscopic analysis. One hundred cells per participant were scored for nuclear abnormalities including micronuclei (MN), binucleated cells (BN), and nuclear buds (NB). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v25, with p < 0.05 as the significance threshold. Results showed that the exposed drivers had markedly higher frequencies of nuclear anomalies compared to controls. The mean micronucleus frequency in the exposed group (8.00 ± 0.05 per 100 cells) was about 80 times higher than in the control group (0.10 ± 0.01), while BN and NB frequencies were increased 12-fold and 23-fold respectively. The total nuclear abnormality frequency was 165.00 ± 0.36 in exposed drivers versus 10.20 ± 0.94 in controls. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the biological trend suggests cumulative genotoxic stress from chronic exposure to vehicular pollutants. Routine biomonitoring and stricter air-quality measures are recommended to protect occupationally exposed populations.

Background: Bedridden patients confined to bed for prolonged durations due to severe systemic illnesses or post-surgical recovery are at high risk of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, which leads to impaired regulation of cardiovascular parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Physiotherapeutic interventions such as bridging exercises, though beneficial for muscle activation and postural control, have not been adequately studied in relation to their effects on autonomic responses among bedridden patients. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the autonomic responses of bedridden patients to a bridging exercise protocol. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 50 participants (25 bedridden and 25 non-bedridden) recruited from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Baseline cardiovascular parameters (SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP) were measured at rest using an automated sphygmomanometer. Participants in the experimental group performed a structured bridging exercise protocol (three sets of 10 repetitions, holding each bridge for 5 seconds). Post-exercise measurements were recorded immediately. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (ANCOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and independent t-tests) with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results showed significant increases in SBP, DBP, HR, and MAP among bedridden patients after the bridging exercise session (p < 0.001), indicating improved autonomic activity and cardiovascular stimulation. However, no significant differences were observed between the bedridden and non-bedridden groups after exercise (p > 0.05). This suggests that bridging exercises can transiently normalize cardiovascular responses in bedridden patients to levels comparable to non-bedridden individuals. Conclusion: The study concludes that bridging exercises significantly influence autonomic responses among bedridden patients, demonstrating positive cardiovascular and autonomic adjustments. Bridging exercises are beneficial, safe, and effective for inclusion in rehabilitation programs to enhance autonomic function and prevent cardiovascular deconditioning in bedridden individuals.

In the petroleum industry, the accurate determination of hydrocarbons initially in place is critical for effective reservoir management and the formulation of efficient production strategies. This research focuses on the evaluation of a saturated oil reservoir in an onshore Niger Delta field through the application of Material Balance Analysis (MBA). The objectives of the study include estimating the initial oil in place, evaluating the presence and strength of an underlying aquifer, identifying the dominant reservoir drive mechanism, and recommending an optimal production scheme capable of maximizing economic recovery. For this research, the majority of the reservoir and production data were obtained from Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), which also provided access to the MBAL simulation software. MBAL is a simplified yet powerful analytical tool that applies the concept of material balance to characterize reservoir behavior. The program models the reservoir using a zero-dimensional (tank) approach, which does not explicitly account for geometry, drainage area, or well orientation, but provides valuable insights into fluid distribution and drive mechanisms by analyzing production and pressure performance. The results from the MBAL analysis indicate that the reservoir contains an estimated 250.258 MMSTB of oil initially in place, and the predicted volume of water in place to be 99788.4 MMft3 . Furthermore, the aquifer’s influence on reservoir pressure performance demonstrates that water drive is the predominant drive mechanism sustaining production. These findings provide a reliable basis for planning production strategies that optimize reservoir performance while enhancing ultimate recovery. In carrying out this research, valuable hands-on experience was gained in data handling, diagnostic plotting, and MBAL simulation. The work strengthened descriptive, technical and analytical competence in reservoir evaluation and provided deeper insight into the importance of accurate data interpretation for sustainable hydrocarbon recovery in the Niger Delta basin.

Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their therapeutic properties and remain an essential source of bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial activity. The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has heightened global interest in exploring natural plant extracts as alternative or complementary agents against infectious diseases. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial potential of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) and uziza leaf (Piper guineense) extracts against selected bacterial and fungal pathogens. Fresh leaves of both plants were collected from local markets in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, authenticated, air-dried, pulverized, and extracted using ethanol and water. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins in varying concentrations. Lemongrass contained high levels of alkaloid, flavonoids and tannins, while uziza exhibited moderate presence of these compounds. Saponin was present in lemongrass but absent in uziza. Antimicrobial testing showed that ethanolic extracts demonstrated superior activity compared to aqueous extracts. The ethanolic extract of lemongrass exhibited the highest inhibition zone of 20 mm against S. aureus and 15 mm against E. coli at 100% concentration, while the uziza ethanolic extract produced inhibition zones of 18 mm and 15 mm, respectively, against the same organisms. Pseudomonas sp. showed moderate sensitivity with inhibition zones of 12 mm, whereas fungal isolates Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. recorded inhibition zones ranging from 10 to 15 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ethanolic extracts ranged from 50 mg/mL for S. aureus, E. coli and Pseudomonas sp. to 100 mg/mL (for fungal isolates), while minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were observed at 100 mg/mL. Aqueous extracts displayed weaker activity, requiring higher concentrations (100 mg/mL) for inhibition and showing little or no effect on fungal isolates. Overall, these findings highlight the significant antimicrobial potential of lemongrass and uziza leaf extracts, particularly their ethanolic forms, which exhibited notable inhibitory effects against common bacterial pathogens. The results support their traditional medicinal use and underscore their potential as natural sources of plant-based antimicrobial agents.

The paper determined the attitudes and perceptions of radiographers towards patients with HIV/AIDS in the selected hospitals within Edo State, Nigeria. The cross- sectional was a descriptive design and 60 registered radiographers were selected, which included the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo Specialist Hospital and Raytouch Diagnostics. The structured and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using the Statistical Package of the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30.0. The findings showed that the attitude and perception of radiographers towards HIV/AIDS patients were generally positive as indicated by high mean score of compliance to universal precautions (Mean = 4.07) and fairness to patients (Mean = 3.78). However, some neutral answers revealed some remaining fear, lack of trust in regular routine HIV care and difficulty with poor facilities. The correlation between the years of practice (Spearman = 0.016, p = 0.902) and attitude was not significant, which indicated that the years of experience did not define positive attitudes alone. The research established that the radiographers are characterized by a commendable professionalism with regard to HIV/AIDS patients but need the unceasing training and enhanced institutional subsidies to uphold this standard. It suggests continuous professional growth, enhanced infection-control facilities, and stigma-reduction measures in order to boost the confidence and quality of care delivery of radiographers