2025

The main aim of this study was to examine awareness of child adoption does not positively affect the perception and attitude of infertile women. The problem of this study was that infertility has become a global health challenge with devastating psycho-social consequences in many African communities. Nigeria’s rate of infertility is as high as 30%. Child adoption, although usually perceived as the last option for couples with incurable infertility, is associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and ethical issues. These issues have been linked to low acceptance of child adoption among infertile couples. The broad objective of this study was to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in South-western Nigeria. The methodology adopted by this study was the probabilistic and survey research design which was employed using questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique with a criterion sampling strategy was used to select hundred and thirty household (130) not necessary infertile women and a focus group structured interview was utilized to collect data from the participants. The demographic data of Respondents were analysed using the simple percentage the research hypotheses was analysed qualitatively using Chi-Square Statistical Tool to analyse the data on opinions of infertile couples. The results from the findings of this study shows, none of the respondents had ever practiced child adoption, meanwhile, awareness of child adoption was viewed as alternative to management infertility, though attitudinal disposition varied. Respondents was of the opinion that child adoption brings joy into the lives of the couple especially those who are yet to have children, though they stated that the society does not accept it but adoption was seen as a way of contributing to the life of an individual as well as make the couple satisfied. The study concludes that there the knowledge of child adoption fosters the willingness of individual and couples to legally adopt. Also, the results show that awareness of child adoption positively affects the perception and attitude of infertile women in Alagbaka Community to child adoption and its acceptability as a management option for infertility. The study further finds that child adoption as an alternative option for infertility contributes to the life of an individual as well as makes the couple fulfilled

Solar energy is a renewable and abundant resource that holds immense potential for meeting the world's growing energy demand while mitigating climate change. Accurate assessment of solar radiation patterns and availability is crucial for the efficient deployment of solar energy technologies and the optimization of renewable energy systems.This research project aims to conduct a comprehensive solar panel/ solar inverter resource assessment in the University Of Benin Ugbowo, Nigeria, to evaluate the solar energy potential around it. The study employs an approach which involved integrating satellite data analysis, gotten from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to quantify solar irradiance levels and characterize solar radiation . The findings of this research project will provide valuable insights into the periods of best insolation and also environmental factors influencing solar resource availability in the University Of Benin.Most domestic appliances such as personal computers, television sets and lighting systems among others, operation has largely been controlled by hydro-electric power supply [National Grid]. This is not much a reliable source of energy due to the persistent power failure from our only reliable Nation Grid in the country, which has been the result of low water level in the dam(s) during harmattan season, faulty underground cables and transformer failures. Nigeria's energy sector is characterized by a dominance of fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation. The country's renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, remain largely untapped. This project seeks to contribute to the development of Nigeria's solar energy sector by designing, installing, and testing a solar powered energy system with an inverter.

This research examines the duties and powers of the Nigerian Police in relation to criminal investigations, including arrest, interrogation, detention, stop and search, and prosecution. While the Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act grant the police wide-ranging powers necessary for maintaining law and order, these powers are frequently abused, leading to violations of fundamental human rights. The study explores key concepts such as unlawful arrest, extortion, and torture, and critically evaluates the legal framework governing police powers in Nigeria. By employing a mixed methodology doctrinal analysis of statutes and case law, alongside limited fieldwork through interviews and questionnaires the research highlights systemic weaknesses in accountability mechanisms, the absence of technological safeguards such as body-worn cameras, and the persistence of impunity within the force. It further identifies comparative best practices from other jurisdictions and recommends reforms, including stricter judicial oversight, independent complaints mechanisms, and mandatory adoption of body cameras. The study concludes that while the police remain indispensable to criminal justice administration, effective checks and balances are necessary to ensure that their powers are exercised within the ambit of the rule of law

Background: Malnutrition among children under five years remains a critical public health issue in Nigeria, contributing substantially to under-five morbidity and mortality. Despite various interventions, limited evidence exists on the specific determinants of malnutrition in semi-urban settings such as Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Objective: This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among children under five years in Egor LGA, specifically evaluating caregiver knowledge, feeding practices, sources of nutritional information, and socioeconomic factors influencing nutritional outcomes. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 caregiver- child pairs selected through multi-stage stratified systematic random sampling from primary healthcare centres, immunization clinics, and child welfare services in Egor LGA between January and March 2026. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver knowledge (27-point scale), child feeding practices (12-point scale), information sources, and household factors. Anthropometric measurements (weight, height/length, mid-upper arm circumference) were taken following WHO standardized protocols. Nutritional status was classified using WHO 2006 Child Growth Standards (Z-scores). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests and multivariate binary logistic regression (p < 0.05 significance level). Results: The majority of caregivers were mothers (73.3%), aged 29–38 years (38.8%), with secondary (47.0%) or tertiary (41.5%) education. Good knowledge of child nutrition was demonstrated by 65.6% of caregivers, with 96.3% correctly identifying exclusive breastfeeding duration (6 months) and 91.3% knowing appropriate complementary feeding age (6 months). However, only 47.5% exhibited good feeding practices. A significant knowledge-practice gap was identified: caregivers with good knowledge were significantly less likely to have good feeding practices (AOR = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.409–0.955, p = 0.030). Health workers were the most utilized (94.5%) and trusted (44.8%) information source, yet only 13.0% had attended formal nutrition education. Overall malnutrition prevalence was 20.7% (underweight 14.5%, moderate malnutrition 4.0%, wasting 1.3%, stunting 1.0%). Recent child illness (AOR = 1.891, 95% CI: 1.101–3.250, p = 0.021) and good feeding practices (AOR = 2.042, 95% CI: 1.167–3.571, p = 0.012) were significant risk factors for malnutrition, while good caregiver knowledge (AOR = 0.419, 95% CI: 0.245–0.717, p = 0.001), male caregiver sex (AOR = 0.305, 95% CI: 0.112–0.831, p = 0.020), and household food insecurity (AOR = 0.382, 95% CI: 0.204–0.712, p = 0.002) were protective. Conclusion: Despite relatively high caregiver knowledge and lower malnutrition prevalence than national averages in Egor LGA, a substantial knowledge-practice gap persists, and child feeding practices remain suboptimal with low dietary diversity and high consumption of sugary drinks and packaged snacks. Health workers are trusted information sources but structured nutrition education is underutilized. Interventions must address economic and structural barriers limiting knowledge translation, integrate practical skills-based nutrition counselling into routine health services, and target modifiable risk factors including childhood illnesses.

This project was carried out to extract essential oil from the rhizome of Curcuma longa using the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger apparatus. Curcuma longa is widely recognized for its medicinal uses, especially in India and other Asian cultures. The rhizomes are reported to contain essential oils with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, while much attention has been given to the medicinal value of turmeric, comparatively less focus has been placed on the processes of extracting its essential oil and systematically evaluating their outcomes. In this study, dried rhizomes were ground into powder and hydro-distilled. The essential oil obtained was yellowish with a strong aromatic odor. The GC-MS analysis revealed a variety of compounds in the oil, with phenylbutazone (19.34%) and 6-theothiophylline (19.01%) being the most significant constituents, along with some other minor compounds. The antimicrobial efficacy of the oil was evaluated against selected pathogenic fungal and bacterial isolates. The curcuma longa extract stopped the growth of several fungi (Aspergillus Niger, Trichophyton rubrum, Penicillium sp.) and bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus). However, it did not kill them at the tested concentration. Some microbes, like the bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp., and the fungus Aspergillus flavus, were not affected at all. Overall, this study shows that hydro-distillation method is a simple and effective method for obtaining turmeric essential oil at the laboratory scale. Characterizing its chemical profile and biological properties provides insight into its value and supports its potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation. These findings validate the medicinal use of curcuma longa and highlight its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents. The oil shows particular promise for applications targeting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. This study provides a foundation for the further development of curcuma longa based natural preservatives.

This study examined the implications of local government autonomy on rural development in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. It specifically assessed the extent of administrative, political, and fiscal autonomy enjoyed by the local government, analyzed how autonomy influences rural development outcomes, identified major challenges inhibiting effective development, and proposed strategies to enhance autonomy and service delivery. A descriptive survey design was employed, with a population of 325 local government staff and a sample of 124 respondents selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a validated and reliable questionnaire, and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that Egor Local Government enjoys a moderate level of autonomy, which has a moderately positive effect on rural development, particularly in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. However, persistent challenges such as financial dependency on the state, political interference, weak internally generated revenue, and overlapping administrative roles hinder effective performance. The study concludes that deepening local government autonomy through direct fund allocation, institutional reforms, capacity building, and strengthened community participation is crucial for sustainable rural development. The study recommends constitutional enforcement of direct fiscal allocation to local councils, mandatory elected leadership, and continuous professional development for staff to enhance efficiency and accountability in grassroots governance.

This research, titled The Therapeutic Essence of David’s Book of Psalms and Lisa Mark’s “Just Wait for the Sun” as Poetry, explores the intersection of poetry, psychology, and healing. It examines how poetic expression, particularly within sacred and inspirational contexts, serves as a tool for emotional restoration, self-reflection, and inner peace. Drawing insights from Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and the famous principles of bibliotherapy, the study affirms how poetry functions as a means of catharsis - helping individuals confront repressed emotions and transform pain into spiritual or emotional growth. The analysis of the Psalms reveals that King David’s poetic laments and praises express a deep range of human emotions - sorrow, fear, guilt, gratitude, and hope - mirroring the psychological journey from distress to recovery. Similarly, Lisa Mark’s poem “Just Wait for the Sun” reflects the therapeutic power of patience, light and resilience in times of despair. The study also extends to the role of music as spoken poetry, highlighting the case of King Saul and David, where lyrical expression and melody act as healing forces for mental unrest. Ultimately, this work underscores that poetry - whether in scriptural or modern form - is not merely an art form but a form of therapy, fostering emotional wholeness and spiritual renewal in a world marked by loneliness, anxiety, and mental strain.

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Sincere gratitude goes to The Almighty God for his immeasurable support and provision for the success of this project. My deepest gratitude also goes to my Supervisors, Dr. El-Dragg Okwoju and Prof. E. Imonikebe for their continuous guidance and expertise during the course of this project. Their valuable insights and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the direction of this research. I am also grateful to the Head of Department of Fine and Applied Art, Dr. Daniel .N. Osariyekemwen and the course adviser, Dr. Paul Aikhionbare. Sincere gratitude also goes to my head of Section, Mrs. Esther Esizimetor, for her advice and encouragement during this project. And to my lecturers who have also in time past helped build and train me academically, morally and otherwise, I say thank you. Sincere and utmost thanks also goes to my wonderful family, my parents, Mr and Mrs Ehizele and my siblings, Mr. Godsent, Mrs. Paula and Mrs. Phill, for their support and encouragement.

This study examined the influence of brand positioning strategies on consumer preference for beverage products in Benin City, Nigeria. Four key elements of brand positioning, price positioning, product differentiation, unique selling propositions (USP), and physical evidence, were analysed to determine their impact on consumers’ purchasing behaviour. Data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 385 respondents and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that product differentiation (β = 0.564, p < 0.001), USP (β = 0.290, p < 0.001), and physical evidence (β = 0.271, p < 0.001) significantly influenced consumer preference, while price positioning (β = -0.141, p = 0.077) showed no significant impact. An R² of 0.868 indicated that 86.8% of the variation in consumer preference was explained by the independent variables. The study concludes that consumers in Benin City are more responsive to beverage brands offering unique features, clear value propositions, and appealing physical attributes than to pricing strategies alone. It recommends an integrated approach to brand positioning to improve market competitiveness. The study enhances understanding of consumer behaviour in emerging markets and provides practical insights for marketing strategists in the beverage industry.