2025

APPLICATION OF FINITE ELEMENT TO DEFORMATION MONITORING OF PHYSICS DEPARTMENT BUILDING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, UGBOWO CAMPUS, EDO STATE NIGERIA.

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This Project undertakes the development and implementation deformation monitoring system for the Physics Department Building, with the primary objective of ensuring the safety and integrity of the structure, For buildings to remain structurally sound and safe, deformation monitoring is essential, especially for those that are subjected to changing loading bearing and climatic conditions over time. Using a multi-faceted approach, this study will employ a range of geodetic and geotechnical techniques, including Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Precise leveling and inclinometry, to monitor the buildings deformation patterns, including subsidence, settlement, and tilt. The project will investigate the effects of various factors such as soil conditions, foundation type and environmental changes on the buildings deformation behaviour, providing valuable insights into the structural health of the building. The deformation monitoring system will be designed to provide real-time data, enabling prompt identification of any anomalies or potential issues. This will facilitate informed decisions on maintenance, repair and potential retrofitting, ensuring the safety of occupants and the integrity of the structure. This study contributes to the development of effective deformation monitoring systems for buildings, which is critical for ensuring the safety and resilience of built infrastructure. The findings of this project will have the development of best practices in deformation monitoring and structural health assessment, and will inform the development of more effective strategies for managing and maintaining buildings in a variety of environments.
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co-supervisor

DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION STRATEGIES IN ATTAINING FOOD SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

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Climate change is part of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century, with its adverse effects felt across the globe through increase in temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increasing incidences of extreme weather events. These changes pose serious threats to food security, livelihoods, and sustainable development. In regions like Benin City (Edo State, Nigeria), climate-induced flooding and other extreme events have undermined food availability and lead to food security. This study examines determinants of adopting climate change adaptation strategies for food security in Benin City. A structured Likert-scale questionnaire was distributed to one hundred and fifty (150) respondents using google form and the data collected was subjected to descriptive and correlation statistics using statistical package for social scientists (SPSS) . The results showed low awareness of climate change impacts on food security. Correlation analysis revealed moderate positive relationships between awareness to climate change and socio-demographic factors which is statistically significant (r = 0.373, p = 0.000<0.05) and between awareness to climate change and socio-cultural influences which is also statistically significant (r = 0.380, p = 0.000<0.05). However, the study also identified barriers such as inadequate institutional support, limited access to finance, and weak infrastructural capacity as key challenges limiting effective responses. It was concluded that although local communities in Benin City demonstrate resilience through livelihood diversification, their capacity to adapt remains constrained without coordinated government intervention and broader policy support. The study recommends the introduction of climate change awareness into educational and extension programmes, the promotion of renewable energy and sustainable agricultural practices, improved access to climate information, investment in sustainable agricultural practices, and stronger collaboration between government agencies, private actors, and civil society in order to enhance adaptive capacity and safeguard livelihoods.
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co-supervisor

PHARMACY STUDENTS' ENGAGEMENT AND EXPERIENCE IN RESEARCH DURING THEIR ACADEMIC CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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Background: Research engagement during academic training helps develop essential attributes such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice. These factors are fundamental for effective pharmaceutical care delivery. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the engagement and experience of pharmacy students in the University of Benin, Benin City in research during their academic curricular activities. Methods: The research was conducted among pharmacy students in the accredited faculty of pharmacy in the University of Benin. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design to investigate the extent of pharmacy students' engagement and experiences in research during their academic curricular activities. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure that students from each academic level (100–600L) are proportionally represented. Data was collected using an online survey platform comprising institutional email lists, WhatsApp groups, and other social media platforms commonly used by students and was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 26 Results: In total, 250 participants were enrolled, revealing a nearly even gender distribution (50.8% male, 49.2% female), with majority aged 18-21 years (48.8%). Regarding research engagement, the majority anticipated engaging in data analysis (22.8%), data collection (14%), and presentations (12.8%), with a smaller proportion planning comprehensive involvement across literature review, data collection, analysis, writing, and presentation (9.6%). Most participants viewed research as beneficial for their future careers. Approximately 43.6% rated it as very beneficial and 25.2% extremely beneficial. However, academic workload was expected to interfere with research participation, as 42.4% agreed and 9.2% strongly agreed. The findings revealed varying levels of participation in research activities. Conclusion: The engagement and experience of pharmacy students at the University of Benin in research during their academic curricular activities were assessed in this study. The findings revealed varying levels of participation in research activities, with some students actively involved while others had limited exposure. Additionally, the perceived benefits of research were also highlighted, including enhanced academic performance and professional growth. However, several challenges, such as academic workload and time constraints, were identified as barriers to research engagement.
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co-supervisor

KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF EXERCISE FOR BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AMONG ADULTS WITH HYPERTENSION IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL

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Background: Hypertension is a leading non-communicable disease and a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality globally. Despite proven evidence that regular exercise reduces blood pressure, the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of exercise among hypertensive patients remains suboptimal, particularly in Nigeria. Understanding these dimensions is essential for promoting effective non-pharmacological management of hypertension.
Aim: The study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control among adults with hypertension attending the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed involving 150 adults with high blood pressure recruited from the cardiology clinic of UBTH. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic data, knowledge, attitude, and practice of exercise for blood pressure control. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive statistics were expressed as frequencies and percentages, while associations between variables were tested using the Chi-square test at a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: Findings revealed that 74% of participants had adequate knowledge of exercise for blood pressure control, 76% demonstrated a good attitude, and 60% had good exercise practice. There was a significant association between socio-economic status and knowledge of exercise (p = 0.021), while age, level of education, and socio-economic status showed no significant association with attitude and practice (p > 0.05). Most respondents (85.4%) reported improvement in blood pressure since initiating exercise.

Conclusion: The study concluded that hypertensive adults at UBTH generally possess good knowledge and attitude toward exercise for blood pressure control; however, practical engagement in exercise remains moderate. Continuous patient education, physiotherapy involvement, and community-based exercise programs are recommended to enhance adherence and improve hypertension outcomes.
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co-supervisor

INFLUENCE OF TEACHERS’ CHARACTERISTICS ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ LEARNING OF BIOLOGY IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF EDO STATE

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This study investigated the influence of teachers’ characteristics on secondary school students’ learning of Biology in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and answered. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population of this study comprised all the 201 teachers in the 20 senior secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 teachers representing 50% of the population. The findings from the study include that there is a significant difference in the influence of teachers’ characteristics on secondary school students’ learning of Biology between large school and small school. It was concluded that teachers’ characteristics such as qualification, professionalism, experience and teachers’ sex significantly influence secondary school students’ learning of Biology in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study recommended among others that the Ministry of Education and school authorities in Egor Local Government Area should prioritize continuous professional development and training programmes for Biology teachers.
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co-supervisor

CORPORATE BOARD DIVERSITY AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

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This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.
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co-supervisor

Determinants of Corporate Sustainability Reporting

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This study examines the factors influencing environmental disclosure among oil and gas companies in Nigeria. It adopts an ex-post facto research design with a longitudinal approach, utilizing panel data spanning eleven (11) financial years (2014–2024) from oil companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX). The variables investigated include leverage, firm size, profitability, audit firm type, financial constraint, and firm age. The findings reveal that leverage, profitability, firm size, audit firm type, firm age, and financial constraint all have no significant effect on the level of environmental accounting disclosure by oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Based on these results, the study recommends that future research should consider a broader sample of companies and incorporate additional variables beyond those used in the current model, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the determinants of environmental disclosure in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.
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co-supervisor

PHENOTYPIC DETECTION OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIAL ISOLATES FROM FAECES OF DOMESTIC RABBITS (Oryctolagus cuniculus): IMPLICATIONS FOR ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN PUBLIC HEALTH

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Rabbit gastrointestinal tracts harbour a variety of bacteria that are shed in stool and some are beneficial while others are pathogenic. Fifteen (15) rabbit stool samples were collected from three different farms (University of Benin farm, Okene Farm and Animal house) with sterile universal bottles and samples were immediately transported to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and culture were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial identification was also carried out using selective media and various biochemical tests. Phenotypic virulence factors (haemolysin, gelatinase production, serum resistance and capsule formation assays) were carried out on the bacterial isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Results showed that Animal House had the highest bacterial load (12.9 × 10⁶ ± 1.4 CFU/g) while University of Benin Farm the lowest (2.1 × 10⁶ ± 1.4 CFU/g) (p < 0.001). The bacteria isolated include, Lactobacillus sp. (26%), Neisseria sp. (20%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), Bacillus sp. (13%), Escherichia coli (13%) and Salmonella sp. (6%). Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., E. coli, and Salmonella sp. exhibited β-haemolysis, gelatinase activity, serum resistance and capsule formation, while Lactobacillus sp. and Neisseria sp. lacked these virulence factors. All isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and ceftazidime but resistant to gentamicin, cefuroxime, streptomycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin and erythromycin. Rabbit stool contains both commensal and opportunistic pathogens carrying resistant bacteria.
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co-supervisor

HEALTHCARE POLICIES AND THEIR IMPACT ON RADIOGRAPHY PRACTICES AND PATIENTS CARE IN A TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN BENIN CITY

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Healthcare policies are central to the regulation of radiographic practice and play a vital role in shaping the quality of patient care. This study investigated the impact of healthcare policies on radiographers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), focusing on policy awareness, influence on daily practice, patient care outcomes, and the challenges of policy adherence. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from viii 31 radiographers through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that 61.3% of respondents were aware of institutional healthcare policies, while 74.2% could identify policy documents relevant to their duties. Full compliance with radiation safety requirements (100%) was observed, demonstrating strong adherence in safety-sensitive areas. Policies were found to substantially influence professional conduct, as 93.5% agreed that policies guide daily radiographic practice, while 87.1% indicated that policies ensure standardization and 90.3% affirmed improved accountability. In terms of patient care, 93.5% agreed that policies enhance service quality and 87.1% believed they promote consistency, although only 42.0% felt that policies reduce imaging time. A Chi-square test further confirmed a statistically significant relationship between healthcare policies and daily radiographic practice (χ² = 61.29, df = 1, p = 0.000), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Despite these positive outcomes, radiographers reported major challenges such as inadequate resources (87.1%), insufficient training (61.3%), outdated guidelines (58.1%), and inconsistent implementation across departments (58.0%). The study concludes that healthcare policies positively shape radiographic practice and patient care at UBTH, but their effectiveness is limited by systemic and administrative constraints. Strengthening policy communication, updating guidelines, improving resource availability, and expanding training opportunities will enhance policy adherence and further improve patient outcomes in radiography.
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co-supervisor

EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ADULT EDUCATION IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN HOST COMMUNITY

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This study investigated the transformative role of adult education in promoting community development, specifically focusing on the host community of the University of Benin, Nigeria. Recognizing adult education as a crucial component of lifelong learning and a strategic driver for national transformation, the research aimed to determine how existing programs address pervasive challenges such as low literacy rates, high unemployment, skill deficits, and social exclusion in the community. The core purpose was to identify the types of adult education programs available, evaluate participants' perceptions of their impact on personal and collective development, assess their effectiveness in meeting economic, social, and political needs, and explore the challenges hindering successful implementation. Ultimately, the study sought to provide evidence- based recommendations to strengthen adult learning initiatives and foster sustainable development at the grassroots level. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to gather facts and opinions from the population for generalization. The study area was delimited to selected neighborhoods surrounding the University of Benin, including Ugbowo, Ekosodin, Osasogie, and BDPA. Data was collected from one hundred and twenty (120) adults selected from ten communities in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State using a questionnaire as the primary research instrument. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, simple percentage, and mean scores, with a criterion mean score of 2.50 used as the selection benchmark. The findings indicated that the available adult education programs in the area include women education, population education, literacy, workers education, and vocational education, and that the community holds a positive attitude toward these programs. Crucially, the study concluded that adult education has significantly helped in community development by providing economic skills, improving participants' standard of living, enhancing reading abilities, and fostering cordial community relationships, with the extent of acquired skills contributing highly to poverty alleviation. The successful implementation of these programs, however, is often challenged by financial constraints, inadequate government support, and limited facilities. Therefore, recommendations often revolve around the need for increased government funding, better institutional collaboration (especially with the University of Benin), and addressing logistical barriers to ensure the programs are sustainable and relevant to evolving labor market needs.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor