2025

Climate change is a global problem exacerbated by human actions and behaviour. For this reason, it has become essential for individuals to take actions at their level to decrease their environmental footprint and mitigate climate change. This study was carried out to determine the efforts made by individuals residing in Benin City towards climate change mitigation. There were a total of 100 participants in the study who were selected using convenience sampling. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire having a reliability index of 0.819. Collected data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools in SPSS version 20. The results obtained showed that the participants were mostly female (65%) and aged between 18 - 25 years (76.3%). The awareness on climate change among participants was moderate. However, knowledge on climate mitigation actions was low and implementation of mitigation actions was minimal. The efforts made by individuals were found to have a positive impact on environmental sustainability in their surroundings. The awareness of climate change and mitigation efforts were significantly positively correlated (R = 0.550, p =0.000), similarly the awareness of climate change and efforts towards environmental sustainability were significantly correlated (R = 0.522, p =0.000). Therefore, it was concluded that based on the findings, targeted interventions are necessary to increased knowledge on climate change, mitigation measures and the implementation of climate mitigation plans to ensure environmental sustainability

Background: Tear break up is an important indicator of tear film stability, representing the interval between a complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot on the corneal surface. Humidity plays a crucial role in tear film dynamics. Increase humidity decelerate evaporative water loss from the tear film, increasing tear break up time (TBUT) and alleviate ocular discomfort. Objective: This study investigated the effect of increased humidity on tear breakup time (TBUT) amid fifty (50) participants attending University of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. Studies have shown that increased humidity leads to a significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT), resulting in increased ocular comfort. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of increased humidity on TBUT. Method: Close observation on fifty (50) participants with convenient sampling design. Data on age, gender was carried out, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to grade the participants into normal, mild, moderate and severe tear dry eye , they were then exposed to ideal humidity and increased humidity level, after 10 minutes of acclimatization in each humidity condition, non-invasive tear break up time (NITBUT) was measured in both conditions and findings were recorded. Result: Increase in humidity between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.80-0.95), participants with normal, mild and severe ocular surface disorder index (OSDI) score all showed significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT) and increased ocular comfort. Conclusion: Result demonstrates that increase in humidity level markedly improved tear film stability from all groups regardless of age, gender, ocular surface health (normal or dry eye). The results of this study confirmed that humidity is a critical environmental factor that influences ocular surface health. The study also revealed that controlled increase in humidity level yielded statistically significant tear film stability (p<0.001) in all groups. KEYWORDS: relative humidity, tear break-up time, tear film stability, ocular health.

This study explored the literary representation of schizophrenia not merely as a mental condition, but as a symbolic and subversive form of rebellion in selected African short stories: “The Madman” by Chinua Achebe, “The Beauty of Madness” by Adekunle Mamudu, and “Angwo Tanda” by Chiweizu. Drawing from postcolonial theory and psychoanalytic criticism, the research analyzed how madness was employed as a metaphorical tool to challenge socio-political oppression, cultural expectations, and personal alienation. The protagonists in these stories exhibited both conscious and unconscious forms of rebellion: through silence, spectacle, retreat, and disruption, their perceived insanity became a means of reclaiming voice, agency, and resistance in postcolonial African society. Ultimately, the paper argued that schizophrenia, within these texts, transcended pathology to serve as a mirror reflecting fractured systems and a weapon wielded—whether knowingly or not —against normative structures that silenced dissent.

This study was conducted to evaluate Politics Today on Channels Television in shaping the opinion of Edo Youth on Controversial issues in Nigeria. The study employed survey design which helped to gather data from a sample of 398 respondents derived from Seventy-Seven thousand(77,000) undergraduates of the University of Benin (both Ekehuan and Ugbowo campuses for the 2024/2025 academic session, where thirteen departments were randomly selected out of the fourteen faculties that made up the institution. It was discovered in this study that there is a high level of engagement on Politics Today on Channels Television by Edo Youth, which has influenced them to a high level. The findings further unveiled that Politics Today on Channels is a medium where Edo Youth surf and consume news bulletins, it was an effective platform for promoting informed citizenship and shaping public opinion on national issues. The programme’s comprehensive coverage and analysis of political events enabled young viewers to stay informed about current issues and make informed decisions about their engagement in politics.. The respondents appreciated the programme’s objective and detribalized approach to reporting and the diverse perspectives presented by the Guests. This study is pivotal for media practitioners, policymakers and relevant stakeholders interested in promoting democratic development and civic engagement in Nigeria. However, the programme’s ability to shapen Edo Youth opinion on controversial issues was threatened by the spread of fake news on social media which has been due to advancement of technology which birthed yellow Journalism. Social media’s influence on news consumption habits brought attention to the necessity of media literacy programmes that foster critical thinking and discernment in young audiences. This will increase the programme’s ability to encourage informed citizenship and democratic participation.

The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict remains one of the most persistent violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Despite the existence of an extensive normative framework prohibiting child soldiering, including the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and its Optional Protocol, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the practice continues across both international and non-international armed conflicts. This study examines the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms designed to prevent the recruitment and use of children in hostilities, and the extent to which these mechanisms have been enforced in practice. Adopting a doctrinal research methodology, the study analyses international treaties, customary international humanitarian law, decisions of international and hybrid criminal tribunals, and relevant United Nations instruments. Through case studies drawn from Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, the research highlights the evolving nature of armed conflict, the blurred distinction between voluntary and forced recruitment, and the increasing involvement of non-state armed groups. The findings reveal that while the international legal framework has achieved normative clarity, enforcement remains uneven and largely dependent on political will, domestic incorporation, and international cooperation. The International Criminal Court and other accountability mechanisms have contributed to the development of jurisprudence on child soldiering, yet significant gaps persist in prevention, prosecution, and post-conflict reintegration. The study concludes that strengthening domestic implementation, enhancing international cooperation, and prioritising child-centred reintegration strategies are essential to closing the enforcement gap. By providing a comprehensive legal and theoretical analysis, this research contributes to ongoing scholarly and policy debates on child protection, accountability, and the future of international humanitarian law.

The study evaluated the effects of smoke-drying, boiling, and deep-frying on the microbial load
and shelf life of Pila ovata. P. ovata samples were purchased from a local market in Benin city, Edo state. It was washed and processed using the three methods before being stored in clean, airtight containers at ambient temperature (34°C-37°C). Microbial analyses, including total
bacterial and fungi counts, were conducted immediately after processing and during storage. Results showed that smoke-dried samples had the lowest bacterial and fungal counts throughout
the storage period due to the combined effects of dehydration and antimicrobial compounds in
smoke. Fried samples exhibited high initial microbial reduction but showed increased counts
during storage, while boiled samples had moderate counts that gradually increased, indicating
susceptibility to recontamination. The study concluded that smoke drying is the most effective
method for enhancing microbial safety and prolonging the shelf life of P. ovata. Proper
processing, hygienic handling, and storage in moisture-proof containers are recommended to
maintain product quality and consumer safety

This study investigates the technology employed in the production of Type 4 Liquefied
Petroleum Gas (LPG) composite cylinders and explores potential improvements to enhance
their performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Type 4 cylinders, composed of a polymer
liner fully wrapped with fiber-reinforced composites, represent the most advanced generation
of LPG storage vessels due to their lightweight structure, corrosion resistance, and superior
burst strength.
Data for the research were obtained through field observations at Don Mac Limited, review of
standard operating procedures (SOPs), and engineering simulations. The study analyzed
each stage of the production process—from liner molding and surface preparation to filament
winding, curing, testing, and inspection—based on ISO 11119-3 and EN 12245 standards.
Simulation results revealed that substituting high-density polyethylene (HDPE) liners with
polyamide (PA11) and E-glass fibers with hybrid carbon–glass reinforcements increased
burst pressure from 50 bar to 70 bar while maintaining a high factor of safety.
Identified challenges include high material costs, liner gas permeability, and limited local
production capacity. To address these, the research proposes the adoption of nano-filled
epoxy resins, automated filament winding systems, and locally sourced highperformance polymers to optimize strength and reduce cost. These improvements will
advance the development of composite cylinder manufacturing in Nigeria, enabling safer,
lighter, and more sustainable LPG storage solutions

Cette recherche explore le processus complexe de traduction de la pièce
“Olurounbi ou Le Prix d’un Pari”, écrite en français par l’auteur nigérian
Tunde Ajiboye mais inspirée de la culture yoruba, vers l’anglais. L’étude met
en lumière la traduction en tant que discipline multidimensionnelle qui
dépasse la simple substitution linguistique pour devenir un outil essentiel de
communication interculturelle. S’appuyant sur les théories herméneutiques et
de négociation d’Schleiermacher, Steiner, et Eco, elle examine les défis
linguistiques et culturels liés à la traduction théâtrale, notamment la
préservation de l’essence culturelle yoruba et des thèmes centraux de la pièce:
la cupidité, l’ambition et les conséquences des décisions impulsives. La
traduction vise à faire résonner l’œuvre auprès d’un public anglophone tout
en encourageant une réflexion critique sur les crises sociopolitiques du
Nigeria, le déclin des valeurs morales et les fléaux sociaux tels que la
cybercriminalité, la corruption et les meurtres rituels. En adoptant les cadres
analytiques et descriptifs de Nida, Jakobson, Vinay et Darbelnet, l’étude
aborde les questions d’ambiguïté, de polysémie et d’éléments culturels
intraduisibles. En comblant les écarts linguistiques et culturels, la version
anglaise cherche à élargir l’accessibilité de la pièce pour les publics africains
anglophones, tout en stimulant un dialogue sur les défis éthiques et sociétaux
contemporains.

Construction projects are frequently affected by labour-related problems that disrupt project delivery and reduce overall performance. This study examined labour-related factors affecting construction project performance in Edo State. It evaluated the frequency and severity of labourrelated factors, ascertained differences in the severity of labour-related factors on the performance of construction projects and determined the influence of labour-related factors on project cost performance in Edo State. A quantitative research approach was employed through the administration of a structured questionnaire to professionals in contracting firms such as architects, builders, M&E engineers, quantity surveyors, civil and structural engineers. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kruskal Wallis H test to determine, differences in the effects of labour-related factors on project cost performance in Edo State. The findings reveal that, the most frequent and severe labour-related factor affecting project cost performance is time management. The severity of most labour-related factors do not differ for different firm sizes and cost performance levels. However, the severity of occupational education level and experience was observed to be significantly different among micro, small and medium construction firms. While training was observed to be significantly different for different cost performance levels. The study recommends that micro construction firms should employ highly skilled and experienced labourers. The study demonstrated the contribution of labour-related factors to construction cost performance.

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental problems limiting seed germination and crop productivity in tropical agriculture. Corchorus olitorius L. (jute) is an important fibre and vegetable crop in Nigeria, yet its early growth is highly sensitive to saline conditions. This study evaluated the physiological response of two jute landraces. Landrace C (from NIHORT) and Landrace D (from Delta State) were treated to different salt concentrations to determine their level of tolerance. The experiment was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five sodium chloride (NaCl) levels: 5 ppm (control), 200, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 ppm, each replicated three times. Growth parameters observed included germination percentage, shoot height, number of leaves, stem girth, number of branches, internode length, and leaf area. Data collected were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) at a 5% significance level. Results showed that salt stress caused a steady decline in all growth parameters. Landrace C had the highest germination rate (90.00 ± 17.32%) and best seedling growth at 200–2000 ppm, recording maximum shoot height (26.83 ± 4.64 cm) and leaf number (34.67 ± 1.70). Landrace D performed poorly, with peak germination at 200 ppm (20.00 ± 0.00%) and no growth beyond 2000 ppm. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatments and between landraces. Overall, Landrace C exhibited stronger salt tolerance due to better osmotic adjustment and growth stability, making it suitable for cultivation and improvement in saline prone soil.