2025

This study conducted a lexicostatistical comparison of the Ngwa dialect of Igbo and Standard Igbo to determine how related they are and their level of mutual intelligibility. Using the Ibadan 400-word list and further applying the language assessment criterion of 1990, this criterion which places the level of mutual intelligibility at 70%, the analysis in this project work showed that 57.5% of the basic vocabulary items are cognates shared between the two languages This shows that while Ngwa and Standard Igbo share a considerable number of common words, their level of mutual intelligibility falls below the 70%, this suggest that speakers of one variety may experience some difficulty fully understanding the other without prior exposure. Also,the study found that 42.5% of the compared lexical items show clear differences in form or meaning, reflecting areas of lexical differences that contribute to the reduced intelligibility between the two varieties. In all, the 57.5% similarity shows moderate linguistic relationship, while the 42.5% difference show distinctive lexical developments in the Ngwa dialect compared to Standard Igbo. Therefore, although both belong to the same linguistic group, the findings suggest that Ngwa is a different dialect rather than fully intelligible with Standard Igbo

This study conducted a lexicostatistical comparison of the Ngwa dialect of Igbo and Standard Igbo to determine how related they are and their level of mutual intelligibility. Using the Ibadan 400-word list and further applying the language assessment criterion of 1990, this criterion which places the level of mutual intelligibility at 70%, the analysis in this project work showed that 57.5% of the basic vocabulary items are cognates shared between the two languages This shows that while Ngwa and Standard Igbo share a considerable number of common words, their level of mutual intelligibility falls below the 70%, this suggest that speakers of one variety may experience some difficulty fully understanding the other without prior exposure. Also,the study found that 42.5% of the compared lexical items show clear differences in form or meaning, reflecting areas of lexical differences that contribute to the reduced intelligibility between the two varieties. In all, the 57.5% similarity shows moderate linguistic relationship, while the 42.5% difference show distinctive lexical developments in the Ngwa dialect compared to Standard Igbo. Therefore, although both belong to the same linguistic group, the findings suggest that Ngwa is a different dialect rather than fully intelligible with Standard Igbo

This study investigated the influence of social media on hookup culture among students of the University of Benin, focusing on how social media platforms promote hookups, the platforms commonly used, reasons for engagement, peer and societal influences, and consequences. A descriptive survey design was employed, with 397 students sampled across faculties using stratified and random sampling techniques. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using frequency distributions. Findings revealed that social media promotes hookup culture primarily through anonymity and direct messaging features, with Tinder and WhatsApp identified as the most used platforms. Financial incentives and loneliness were the primary motivators for hookups, driven by Nigeria’s economic challenges, while curiosity played a significant role among younger students. Economic hardship and societal pressures, including media portrayals and peer influence, strongly shaped hookup behaviors. However, the consequences were predominantly negative, with mental health challenges, academic declines, and social stigma being the most significant, outweighing perceived benefits like confidence or financial gain. The study was grounded in Cultivation Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Uses and Gratifications Theory, Technological Determinism, and Diffusion of Innovation, which explained the normalization of hookups, motivations, and societal influences. The study concludes that social media significantly drives hookup culture, necessitating interventions to address its adverse effects on UNIBEN students’ well-being.

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder during pregnancy, and remains a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early biochemical tests are needed to detect preeclampsia. Routine antenatal care relies only on blood pressure and proteinuria to detect the disorder. It is important to identify biochemical analytes that could detect the disorder early before complications set in. Therefore, this study evaluated serum calcium, magnesium and uric acid levels in 53 pregnant women with newly diagnosed preeclampsia, and 50 normotensive pregnant women which served as controls. Clinical data (age, body mass index (BMI), gestational age, and venous blood samples were collected. Serum calcium, magnesium, and uric acid were determined by spectrophotometric method. Data were compared between-group, Pearson correlations, and multivariable linear regression were calculated (adjusting for age, BMI, and gestational age). Preeclamptic women were slightly older and had higher BMI; unadjusted means (controls vs. cases) were calcium 9.29 ± 0.72 vs. 8.20 ± 1.30 mg/dL, magnesium 2.32 ± 0.23 vs. 1.72 ± 0.24 mg/dL, and uric acid 4.39 ± 0.58 vs. 5.72 ± 0.94 mg/dL (p<0.001). After adjustment, differences remained large and statistically significant: calcium −1.19 mg/dL (95% CI −1.64 to −0.73), magnesium −0.59 mg/dL (95% CI −0.70 to −0.49), and uric acid +1.37 mg/dL (95% CI +1.04 to +1.70) (p<0.001). These findings indicate that, preeclampsia is associated with lower calcium and magnesium and higher uric acid independent of age, BMI, and gestational age, supporting their potential value in risk stratification and local antenatal care planning

Prostitution is commonly described in doctrinal literature as a prototypical “victimless crime”; a consensual exchange between adults that, on its face, harms no third party. Yet, in contexts marked by poverty, gender inequality and organised trafficking, the victimless label may obscure the exploitation, coercion and public-health harms surrounding commercial sex.

This study critically examines the impact of prostitution‟s criminalisation through the lens of the Edo State Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law 2018. The analysis proceeds in three stages. First, conceptual and theoretical groundwork distinguishes „victimless crimes‟ from offences that produce direct victims; the study positions natural law, Mill‟s harm principle and sociological theory as competing frameworks for normative evaluation. Second, the paper evaluates the 2018 Law alongside the Edo State Criminal Law, the Criminal Code, the Child‟s Rights Act and the VAPP Law, focusing on prohibitions, penal sanctions, victim-protection mechanisms and enforcement modalities. Third, the practical impact of criminalisation is appraised: evidence of enforcement patterns, institutional capacity, stigma, and the tendency for prohibition to drive prostitution underground are weighed against the Law‟s stated objectives of prevention, prosecution and victim rehabilitation.

The study recommends recalibrating the legal response toward a rights-centred, harm-reduction approach: sharpen enforcement against trafficking and procurement, decriminalise consensual adult sex work or regulate it to enable health and labour protections, strengthen victim-centred identification and tackle socio-economic drivers through targeted social policy. Such a balanced path would better align legal instruments with the realities of Edo State, safeguarding human dignity while disrupting trafficking networks.

This study examines the legal implications of industrial land use in Nigeria, focusing on the intersection of property rights and environmental law. As land serves both economic and ecological functions, its regulation requires a balance between private ownership rights and environmental sustainability. Chapter One introduces the study, outlining its background, objectives, methodology, and significance, emphasizing the need for legal reforms that reconcile industrial growth with ecological protection.

Chapter Two provides theoretical and historical foundations, defining key concepts and reviewing existing literature. It examines legal doctrines such as the public trust doctrine and eminent domain to highlight regulatory challenges.

Chapter Three analyses Nigeria’s legal and institutional frameworks governing property rights and environmental law, critically assessing the Land Use Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, and other relevant statutes. It identifies enforcement gaps, jurisdictional overlaps, and regulatory inefficiencies. Chapter Four expands the discussion to socio-economic, political, and environmental dimensions, assessing industrial land use’s impact on communities, biodiversity, and sustainable development. It includes a comparative analysis of global best practices to identify policy lessons for Nigeria. Chapter Five synthesizes key findings and offers recommendations, advocating for enhanced legal enforcement, stricter environmental regulations, and improved public participation in land use decisions.

The study concludes by emphasizing the need for a regulatory framework that ensures sustainable industrial land use while protecting environmental and community rights.

Hydrocarbon Reservoir Characterization and Evaluation of TOKS Field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Southern Nigeria was carried out with the aim to achieve optimal evaluation and characterization of the reservoirs in wells of TOKS field. The study utilizes an integration of well logs, seismic data, and core data to offer unique insights into the intricate
complexities of subsurface formations.

The materials (data) used for this study includes one (1) SegY 3D seismic, seven (7) well logs and four (4) checkshot from TOK’s well in the TOK’s Field, these were use to generate logs that consist of lithology log (gamma ray log), resistivity log and porosity logs (density, neutron, sonic). The data also included base map and information
used on the sandstone tops and base. The data collected were analyzed using petrophysical and well correlation, ischore thickness map, seismic horizon interpretation, stratigraphic modelling, structural modelling, upscalling and petrophysical method to evaluate and characterize the reservoirs.

The result shows that TOKS 1000 and TOKS 3000 are the reservoir intervals. The
Petrophysical analysis of TOK 1000 for the TOKS wells 14, 15,16,17,18, 19 and 51 shows porosity value of 0.3054, 0.3103, 0.3042, 0.3252, 0.3055, 0.3108, 0.3857, water saturation values of the wells as 0.2750, 0.2645, 0.2788, 0.2521, 0.2684, 0.2638 and 0.2972, the shale volume results shows 0.05, 0.05, 0.04, 0.04, 0.05, 0.07 and the Net to gross (NTG) ratio result shows 0.95, 0.95, 0.95, 0.96, 0.96, 0.95, 0.93. The Petrophysical analysis of TOK 3000 for the TOKS wells 14, 15,16,17,18 and 19 shows porosity value of 0.3491, 0.3121, 0.3135, 0.2993, 0.3353, 0.2881 and 0.3857, water saturation values of the wells as 0.2349, 0.2627, 0.2615, 0.2741,
0.2446, 0.2846 and 0.2972, the shale volume results shows 0.08, 0.05, 0.05, 0.04, 0.08, 0.05 and 0.07 and the Net to gross (NTG) ratio result shows 0.92, 0.95, 0.95, 0.96, 0.92, 0.95 and 0.93. The seismic interpretation (Horizon and seed) of reservoir tops of TOKS 1000 and TOKS 3000 correspond to trough events. Facies models of both TOKS 1000 and TOKS 3000 aid in the determination of Fine sand, Coarse Sand and Shale lithofacies. The seismic interpretation of reservoir tops of TOKS 1000 and TOKS 3000 reveal trough events. Four (4) zones and five (5) layers were delineated in the TOKS wells. Isochore map shows the thickness of TOKS 3000 reservoir zone. The Subsurface map helps us to identify areas with our reservoir. This structural model helps in understanding the reservoir's structural features. The Net To Gross (NTG) value at the reservoir zones ranges from 0.78 to 0.91 for TOKS 1000 and ranges from 0.76 to 0.92 for TOKS 3000. The porosity value at the reservoir zones ranges from 0.28 to 0.39 for TOKS 1000 and ranges from 0.25 t0 0.36 for TOKS 3000. The water saturation values at the reservoir zones ranges from 0.18 to 0.5 and ranges from 0.25 to 0.39. The prospective reservoirs were coarse grained. The overall results shows From the reservoir characterization and evaluation of TOKS Field, Greater Ughelli Depobelt, Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria shows that the evaluated reservoirs have favourable petrophysical characteristics that will lead to excellent production of hydrocarbon from their porespores hence regarded as prospective wells.

In today’s digital economy, efficient client engagement and seamless delivery of services are instrumental to the competitiveness of Information Technology (IT) consulting firms, especially in developing economies like Nigeria. However, with the majority of Nigerian IT consultancies, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), still manually managing appointments and client engagement, there is inherent inefficiency in operations, missed opportunities, and decreased client retention.

These challenges are overcome in this research by conceptualizing, designing, and implementing a web-based IT consulting platform with automated appointment scheduling and email marketing functionalities. Based on the strategies of Service-Dominant Logic (SDL) and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), the project uses a formal methodology based on requirement analysis, system design, development, testing, and evaluation. The resulting platform allows clients to schedule consultations, receive automated email reminders and confirmations, and allow administrators to manage client information and campaigns through
an interactive dashboard.

The solution was constructed using traditional web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.JS, and PostgreSQL) with an intrinsic emphasis on mobile responsiveness and lowbandwidth support. Testing ensured that the combined solution is more accessible to users, simpler to administer, and enhances client-consultant communication. The project adds an addition to a context-specific digital framework tailor-made for the infrastructural environment of Nigerian SMEs and offers an extensible template for other service-delivery sectors in need of digitalization.

Plants continue to play a vital role in healthcare, with around 11% of the World Health Organization's essential medicines derived from botanical sources. Combining two or more herbs can provide various health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of polyherbal-formulated teas comprising Anthocleista djalonensis, Musa paradisiaca, Curcuma longa, Mucuna pruriens, and Thespesia garckeana on haematological indices in Wistar rats with hyperlipidaemia induced by an atherogenic diet. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups of five: group 1 served as the normal control, group 2 as the cholesterol control, groups 3 and 4 received polyherbal tea at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg, respectively, and group 5 was treated with atorvastatin (5 mg/kg). Hyperlipidaemia was induced in groups 2 to 5 by administering 10 mg/kg of 1% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid. Treatments and the cholesterol diet were given orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected and analysed using a haematology autoanalyzer. The polyherbal-formulated tea at both 20 and 40 mg/kg doses significantly reduced platelet counts compared to the cholesterol control group (p < 0.01), while other haematological parameters remained unaffected (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that the polyherbal tea may have antiplatelet and cardioprotective properties.

The general objective of this study is to the effect of audit firms’ tenure on the financial reporting quality of firms operating in Nigeria. Specifically, this study investigated the impact of short-term audit tenure, long-term audit tenure, audit partner rotation, audit firm rotation and audit fees on the financial reporting quality of firms operating in Nigeria.
The study used panel data considering the 10 largest companies from all the sectors on the Nigeria Exchange Group covering the period 2020 to 2024 for the analysis, the data was sourced fromannual report of the firms considered. Various statistical and econometric tool were applied to analyze the data and this include preliminary tests and descriptive statistics, autocorrelation Test, heteroskedasticity Test, normality test, correlation analysis and panel data analysis. The results revealed that audit partner rotation and audit fees have statistically significant influence on the financial reporting quality. While short-term tenure, long-term tenure and audit firm tenure have a statistically insignificant influence on financial reporting quality.

Based on the findings, the study recommended that regulators and firms should not overly emphasize limiting auditor engagements to short period, firms should strike a balance between auditor familiarity and independence and firms and regulators continue to enforce periodic rotation of audit partners.