2025

This study seeks to investigate solid waste segregation among residents of Ekosodin Community, Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State.. Four research questions were raised to guide this study. The descriptive research design was adopted for this study and random sampling technique was used to select 250 (two hundred and fifty) residents in Ekosodin Community. Data was collected from the 250 respondents using an open ended questionnaire with twenty (20) items. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted using simple frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation. Based on the data collected and analyzed, it was discovered that respondents have a high level of awareness regarding solid waste segregation, respondents have adequate practices of solid waste segregation, availability of waste bins enables respondents to participate in solid waste segregation, financial incentives (e.g., rewards for recycling) motivates respondents participation in solid waste segregation, delay from waste collectors often discourage respondents in segregating solid waste, lack of enforcement of waste segregation makes respondents feel relaxed about segregating waste, and unavailabilty of waste collection services in their area affects respondents participation It was recommended that the local government should provide adequate waste bins for different waste categories (organic, recyclable, and non-recyclable) at strategic locations within the community to facilitate proper waste disposal, authorities should enforce existing waste management laws and introduce stricter regulations to ensure compliance with proper waste segregation practices. Fines and incentives can be used to encourage adherence, residents should be actively involved in waste management decision-making processes, establishing community waste management committees can help in monitoring and promoting segregation efforts, the government should collaborate with private waste management firms to enhance waste collection, recycling, and disposal efficiency within the community and recycling initiatives should be encouraged within the community, and collection centers should be established where residents can drop off recyclable materials in exchange for incentives.

The rising demand for reliable electricity in regions with unstable grid power necessitates the adoption of renewable energy solutions. This project focuses on the design and construction of a 5 kVA, 48 V solar inverter system, capable of integrating solar, battery, and grid power sources for consistent and uninterrupted energy supply to domestic and small office loads. The system integrates solar photovoltaic panels, a battery bank, an MPPT charge controller, and a pure sine wave inverter. It also covers system design, component selection, fabrication, installation, and performance evaluation, with considerations for efficiency, safety, reliability, and cost effectiveness. Experimental testing involved load consumption analysis, continuity and polarity tests, inverter performance evaluation, battery charge–discharge assessment, and protective device verification. The inverter demonstrated a stable AC output voltage of 230 V ± 5 V, frequency of 50 Hz ± 1 Hz, system efficiency of approximately 89.5%, and a Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of less than 3%. Protective features such as overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, and thermal protection were verified to function effectively. Cost analysis indicated that the local construction of the system is more affordable than imported equivalents, while environmental evaluation highlighted reduced carbon emissions and promotion of clean energy access. The project underscores the feasibility, scalability, and socio economic benefits of solar PV systems, offering a practical framework for renewable energy adoption in rural and semi urban areas.

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal with a long biological half-life that accumulates in vital organs, particularly the liver, causing oxidative stress and liver damage. Conventional treatments are expensive and often have side effects, creating a need for safer, affordable alternatives. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective potential of hydro-ethanolic extract of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind against cadmium-induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Twenty-five Wistar rats (104-196g) were divided into five groups: negative control (distilled water), positive control (cadmium chloride), standard treatment (cadmium + vitamin C), and two treatment groups receiving cadmium plus watermelon rind extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg respectively. After 60 days of oral administration, liver tissues were examined for histopathological changes, and body weight, hepatic cadmium levels, and relative liver weights were measured. Histological examination revealed normal liver architecture in all groups, with hepatocytes showing normal appearance without necrosis or inflammation. Extract-treated rats, especially at 500 mg/kg, maintained body weights similar to controls, suggesting protection against cadmium induced weight loss. Hepatic cadmium levels were lowest in the 500 mg/kg extract group, indicating enhanced metal elimination. Relative liver weights in extract-treated groups were similar to controls, preventing cadmium-induced liver enlargement. These findings demonstrate that watermelon rind extract provides hepatoprotection against cadmium toxicity, likely through antioxidant activity and metal chelation. The study supports watermelon rind as a cost effective, sustainable natural alternative for managing heavy metal toxicity and promotes the use of agricultural waste for therapeutic purposes.

This research addresses a critical dual problem in Nigeria: the premature failure of road infrastructure due to the poor geotechnical properties of locally abundant lateritic soil and the severe environmental pollution caused by carelessly discarded Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) pure water sachets. This plastic waste, being non-biodegradable, clogs vital drainage systems, exacerbating seasonal flooding and creating long-term hazards by breaking down into harmful microplastics. The project seeks to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional, resource-intensive stabilizers like cement and lime. The core objective is to determine the effectiveness of utilizing shredded LDPE sachets as a stabilizing additive to enhance the engineering properties of lateritic soil for road construction. The methodology involves collecting and processing lateritic soil and waste LDPE sachets, which are then blended at varying proportions: 0%, 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight of the soil. Standard geotechnical tests, strictly following BS 1377 (1990) procedures. The unsoaked CBR value increased by approximately 227%, rising from 3.8% at 0% plastic content to 12.69% at 6% content. Similarly, the soaked CBR value improved by 93.5% increasing from 4.91% to 9.50%. These results demonstrate that the modified soil at 6% stabilization meets the standard requirements for road subgrade materials, offering a superior alternative to unstable lateritic soil. In conclusion, the results of this investigation demonstrate that incorporating waste LDPE sachets into lateritic soil successfully improves its engineering performance. This approach presents a pragmatic, two-pronged solution that simultaneously addresses a pervasive national pollution problem and offers a sustainable, cost-effective method for strengthening Nigeria’s essential road infrastructure, leading to a longer service life for flexible pavements.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder that
primarily affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by a group of
symptoms, including chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Beyond its metabolic and reproductive abnormalities, PCOS has also been shown to influence hematological parameters.This study investigated the influence of simvastatin and metformin on some hematological parameters in PCOS induced rats; red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Twenty five (25) female Sprague-Dawley rats, were used for this study. The rats were acclimatized for a total of two (2) weeks, then weighed and randomly assigned into five (5) groups of five (5) rats each (n=5). Group 1:(-ve control) without PCOS induction, Group 2:(+ve control) induced with PCOS without treatment, Group 3:PCOS + simvastatin, Group 4:PCOS + metformin, Group 5:PCOS + simvastatin +metformin. PCOS was induced by administration of letrozole at 1mg/kg body weight for 28 days after which, the PCOS animals were treated with simvastatin and metformin for a period of 28 days. All drugs were administered using oral gavage. At the end of the experiment, rats were anesthetized using chloroform, and blood was obtained through cardiac puncture, placed in a EDTA bottle, and analyzed for hematological parameters using an automated hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism version 10.0. Data obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Statistical comparisons among experimental groups were performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test to determine significance between groups. A p-value less than 0.05 (p < 0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results showed that PCOS caused a slight, non-significant increase in RBC, Hb, and HCT levels compared to the control group. Metformin treatment increased hemoglobin and hematocrit values, while simvastatin mainly increased MCV and MCH. The combination of both drugs produced the best overall improvement, suggesting a stronger positive effects when used together. MCHC values remained stable in all groups. The present study demonstrates that letrozole induced PCOS in female Sprague-Dawley rats produced alterations in some hematological indices, which were significantly improved following treatment with simvastatin and metformin, either alone or in combination. In conclusion, simvastatin and metformin maybe described as a reasonable therapeutic strategy in the management of PCOS.

Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant health issue in Nigeria, particularly in areas with scarce resources. In these settings, delayed diagnosis often leads to wider disease spread and patients presenting with more severe symptoms. In this study, we reviewed the records of 350 adult PTB patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to identify patterns in their demographics, presenting symptoms, and chest Xray findings. We also aimed to compare doctors’ clinical suspicions with radiographic evidence. The average age of patients was 47 years, with men accounting for roughly two-thirds of the sample. Cough was the most frequent symptom, affecting just over half of the patients. Doctors suspected TB in about one-third of cases, while fever was present in around a quarter. On chest X-rays, fibro-cavitary changes were most common (31.1%), followed by cavitations (17.4%) and fibro-nodular opacities (16.9%), typically located in the upper lung lobes. Clinical suspicion by doctors detected most cases (sensitivity 79.1%), but was less effective at excluding non-TB cases (specificity 34.8%). Nevertheless, there was a significant association between clinical suspicion and X-ray findings (p = 0.005). These results highlight the need for improved early detection strategies. Integrating clinical assessment with radiographic and microbiological testing will enhance TB control efforts and lead to better patient outcomes.

This study examines the use of proverbs in Igbo traditional communication from a pragmatic perspective. It aims to show how Igbo proverbs serve as tools for expressing wisdom, maintaining social harmony, and conveying meaning beyond the surface level of words. Data for the study were drawn from selected Igbo proverbs commonly used in daily communication. The analysis focused on how context, speaker intention, and cultural knowledge shape the interpretation and functions of these proverbs. Findings reveal that Igbo proverbs perform several communicative and social functions such as advising, warning, correcting, teaching moral values, promoting unity, and reinforcing cultural norms. The study further shows that the pragmatic meaning of a proverb depends largely on the situation in which it is used and the shared understanding between speaker and listener. The research concludes that proverbs remain a vital aspect of Igbo language and culture, serving as effective tools for teaching, persuasion, and cultural preservation. It recommends that more attention be given to the teaching and documentation of proverbs to sustain their communicative and cultural relevance in modern Igbo society.

The study investigated language issues as a barrier in Biology students’ conceptualization of biological concepts, focusing on SSS III students in public senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. It specifically examined the language-related challenges students encountered in conceptualizing biological concepts, assessed their proficiency in writing and applying biological terminologies accurately, and identified major hindrances affecting their mastery of these terminologies. A survey research design was adopted, drawing from a population of 3,811 SSS III Biology students across thirteen public schools. Two schools were selected via simple random sampling, with all SSS III students censused as the sample. Data were collected using the validated Language Issue in Biology Questionnaire (LIBQ) on a Likert scale (SA, A, D, SD) for most research questions and an achievement test to evaluate terminology proficiency. Content and face validity were ensured through expert review, while reliability was established via Cronbach’s alpha from a pilot study with 20 students. Descriptive statistics, including mean scores, percentages, and frequency, analyzed the data, with means of 2.50 and above indicating agreement. Findings indicated that students demonstrated complete mastery (100%) of species terminology and high comprehension (94-99%) in areas like carbohydrate metabolism, glycolysis, decomposers, and photosynthesis, reflecting strong foundational knowledge. Moderate performance (80-93%) appeared in terms such as homeostasis, phospholipid, and chloroplast, often due to spelling issues despite conceptual grasp, while lowest scores (below 80%) occurred in complex terms like phototropism, cytoskeleton, and biodiversity, revealing misconceptions. Students reported significant language barriers, including difficulty with complex scientific English, confusion from jargon, and improved understanding via everyday or local language explanations. The study strongly recommended that teachers relate biological terms to real-life examples and prioritize meanings over rote memorization to enhance retention and application. Curriculum developers were urged to integrate everyday language explanations alongside local translations for complex terminologies, bridging linguistic gaps effectively. Additionally, school administrators were encouraged to organize targeted trainings for teachers on leveraging local languages in Biology instruction, fostering inclusive pedagogy

This study investigated the effect of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL) on senior secondary students’ academic performance in Physics in selected secondary schools within Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. The research aimed to establish the extent to which inquiry-based learning is used and its relationship with students’ academic performance, examine the relationship between the use of inquiry-based learning and students’ performance in physics based on school location (urban vs. rural), examine the relationship between the use of inquiry- based learning and students’ performance in physics based on school ownership (public vs. private), examine the relationship between the use of inquiry-based learning and students’ performance in physics based on the sex of physics teachers, compare the difference in the relationship between the use of inquiry-based learning and students’ performance in physics based on teachers’ qualifications. A descriptive-survey design was adopted. The population of this study will consist of all 2024/2025 academic session of secondary school in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential tests (t-tests and other appropriate tests) to test for significant relationships and group differences at the 0.05 significance level. Key findings indicate that teachers in the sampled schools use IBL to varying degrees and that, overall, higher levels of IBL use were associated with better student performance in physics. Statistical analysis showed a significant positive relationship between the use of IBL and students’ academic achievement in physics. Subgroup analyses revealed notable differences: for example, the use of IBL and/or its impact on performance differed significantly between urban and rural schools, and there were significant variations linked to teacher qualifications and school ownership in some comparisons. Where t-tests were performed, some contrasts produced statistically significant results (p < 0.05), suggesting that contextual and teacher variables moderate the effectiveness of IBL. The study concludes that IBL is an effective instructional approach for improving physics learning outcomes in the Ovia North East LGA, Edo State. But its success depends on contextual factors such as school location, available resources, teacher training and qualifications, and institutional support. Recommended actions include targeted professional development in IBL methods for physics teachers, improved provision of teaching resources and laboratory facilities (especially in rural schools), integration of IBL into school-level lesson planning and assessment, and policies encouraging adoption of inquiry practices across both public and private schools

This study titled “citizen journalism vs professional journalism: A comparative analysis examines the different features, strengths, weaknesses, and the whole impact of citizen and professional journalism in today’s growing media environment. The main purpose of the study was to compare citizen journalism and professional journalism I terms of their credibility, accuracy, trust, characteristics, and influence on public trust and perception, as well as to solve how technological advancements have shaped their operations. The study took in a survey research design, and data were collected through the use of a structured questionnaire which brought out 279 respondents from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Benin. The data collected were carefully analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings showed that while citizen journalism improves immediacy, participation and inclusivity in news sharing. It sometimes lacks accountability and professional training and editorial oversight. In opposite view, professional journalism is guided by ethical standards, accountability, and fact checking making it more trustworthy among audiences. The study also discovered that technological advancements have greatly impacted both forms of journalism, narrowing the gap between them and enabling citizens to actively engage in the news process. It is recommended that citizen journalists be encouraged to get basic training in ethical training in ethical reporting and fact checking, while professional journalists should always continue to adapt to digital trends to secure relevance in the modern media landscape.