2025

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.

This long essay examines the constitutional and statutory protection of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The methodology of the study is comparative in nature and relies mainly on doctrinal research and case analysis. In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution gives a general right against discrimination but does not clearly mention disability as one of the grounds. Because of this, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 has become the main law, setting out rights, rules on access, and creating the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. In the United Kingdom, protection for disabled persons is well established under the Equality Act 2010, supported by the Human Rights Act 1998 and court rulings which place a duty on employers and public bodies to make reasonable changes.
The research finds that while Nigeria’s legal framework is quite new and still adapting to standards of enforcement and awareness, it contains strong statutory guarantees which, if effectively implemented, could transform the lived experience of persons with disabilities. The UK system benefits from more developed enforcement institutions and case law, though welfare reforms have exposed certain policy weaknesses. Both legal systems are also influenced by international standards, especially the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

The study concludes that Nigeria can borrow from the UK’s enforcement practice, while the UK may also learn from Nigeria’s express legislative commitments.

The study aimed to examine honorific system of the Yoruba people by analyzing the use of honorifics in conveying respect and social hierarchy, investigating the maintenance or alteration of honorific practices in urban and rural settings, and lastly, by examining the challenges faced by the honorific system in the context of modernization. Primary and secondary methods of data
collection was employed for this study. primary include participant observation while secondary include books, online materials and journals . The theoretical framework used for the analysis was the "Politeness Theory" by Brown and Levinson (1978). Findings are: Maintaining social relationship through respect and deferences. It also highlight the importance of gender specific
honorifics, ensuring that both men and women in position of authority receive proper recognition. Furthermore, it shows deference and acknowledge social hierarchy, aligning with the positive politeness strategy, where respect to show through inclusion and acknowledgement of higher status. It emphasize hierarchical structures speakers within themselves with the social norms and
values of the community, showing their understanding the need to respect positions of power. The study concluded that the Yoruba honorific system remains a crucial aspect of social interaction, promoting respect and maintaining social order. However, its use is adapting in response to modernization, particularly in urban settings, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the future preservation of these cultural practices. The researcher recommends further studies in this particular area and any aspect not touched in this study should be treated by linguist, scholars or any other researchers who have interest in honorific system of the Yoruba people or any dialect of the language.

This study examines the historical relationships between Egbaen and its immediate neighboring communities during the pre-colonial period. The research explores the political, economic, social, and cultural interactions that shaped intergroup relations and contributed to the development of the communities within the region. Particular attention is given to patterns of migration, settlement, trade, diplomacy, intermarriage, and conflict resolution mechanisms that characterized the relationship between Egbaen and its neighbors before the advent of colonial rule.
The study adopts a historical research methodology, relying on both primary and secondary sources. Oral traditions, interviews with community elders, archival records, and relevant scholarly literature were utilized to reconstruct the historical experiences of the people. Findings reveal that Egbaen maintained extensive contacts with neighboring communities through trade networks, cultural exchanges, and kinship ties, which fostered peaceful coexistence and mutual development. The study also identifies occasional disputes over land, resources, and political influence; however, indigenous institutions and traditional leadership structures played significant roles in managing conflicts and preserving regional stability.
Furthermore, the research demonstrates that interactions between Egbaen and its neighbors facilitated the exchange of ideas, customs, and technologies, contributing to social cohesion and economic growth within the area. The study concludes that the history of Egbaen and its immediate neighbors reflects a dynamic pattern of cooperation and competition that shaped the socio-political landscape of the region in the pre-colonial era. It recommends further documentation of oral traditions and local histories to preserve indigenous knowledge and enhance understanding of intergroup relations in Nigerian histor

This study examines the role and impact of the Office of the First Lady in Nigeria through a case study of Maryam Babangida during the administration of Ibrahim Babangida. The research investigates how Maryam Babangida transformed the traditionally ceremonial position of the First Lady into a platform for social mobilization, women’s empowerment, and national development. Particular attention is given to her establishment of the Better Life Programme for Rural Women, which sought to improve the socio-economic conditions of women through education, healthcare, agricultural support, and skills acquisition initiatives.
The study adopts a historical and descriptive research approach, utilizing both primary and secondary sources, including government publications, books, journal articles, newspapers, and archival materials. Findings reveal that Maryam Babangida redefined the Office of the First Lady by expanding its influence beyond ceremonial functions and creating a model of leadership that attracted national and international recognition. Her initiatives contributed significantly to raising awareness of rural women's challenges and promoting their participation in development processes. However, the study also highlights criticisms surrounding the constitutional ambiguity of the Office of the First Lady, concerns about accountability, and the politicization of the position.
The study concludes that Maryam Babangida's tenure marked a turning point in the evolution of the Office of the First Lady in Nigeria, demonstrating its potential as an instrument for social change and public advocacy. It recommends the establishment of clearer institutional frameworks to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the activities of future First Ladies. The research contributes to the understanding of gender, leadership, and governance in Nigeria's contemporary political history.

Managing contracts and procurement effectively relies on clear processes, skilled staff, andcontinuous oversight to ensure efficiency, accountability, and value delivery. Whentheseelements are weak, projects suffer delays, costs escalate, and disputes arise. Even withreformsintroduced globally and across Africa, poor contract execution, bureaucracy, and corruptionstill
hamper procurement and erode public trust. This research explores contract and procurement
practices in Egor Local Government Area, aiming to identify obstacles and suggest waystoimprove them. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study focused onsmall
construction firms in Egor LGA, Edo State. Thirty participants were carefully chosen fromthreefirms, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The information was analysedthematically, highlighting challenges and solutions while maintaining credibility andethical
standards. Findings showed that Nigerian firms generally follow procurement rules designedtoensure fairness and accountability, yet projects often face delays due to corruption, governancegaps, and limited technological adoption. The research also revealed that Egor firms strugglewith implementing fair contracts, largely because of weak oversight and corrupt practices, withimprovements possible through staff involvement, external benchmarking, and independent
monitoring. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance through digital tools, compliance measures, and collaboration among stakeholders emerged as critical, althoughweakenforcement remains a barrier. Finally, reforms need to combine digital solutions withrobust
governance, accountability, and strategies tailored to local contexts. Overall, procurement inEgor Local Government companies is hindered by bureaucracy, corruption, and governanceweaknesses. Enhancing efficiency and transparency requires better governance, stakeholderengagement, and digital tools. Recommended actions include stronger enforcement, adoptionofdigital systems, staff training, and increased collaboration among stakeholders toboost
transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness

The study investigated the proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, mineral nutrient content, and antimicrobial activity of the aqueous leaf decoction of Mucuna pruriens, a plant of notable ethnomedicinal importance in Nigeria. Analyses were
conducted using standard procedures. Proximate evaluation revealed 7.17% ash, 18.43% carbohydrates, 9.67% crude fat, 18.52% crude fibre, 37.88% crude protein, and 8.33% moisture, confirming the leaf as a protein- and fibre-rich nutritional resource.
Phytochemical screening showed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, eugenols, and reducing sugars, while saponins, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, and glycosides were not detected. Mineral analysis indicated appreciable levels of sodium (1343.67 mg/kg), potassium (1018 mg/kg), calcium (238.33 mg/kg), magnesium (377 mg/kg), copper (23.33 mg/kg), iron (336.67 mg/kg), zinc (29.67 mg/kg), manganese (106.67 mg/kg), and nickel (11.33 mg/kg). Antimicrobial assays demonstrated
concentration-dependent inhibition of Escherichia coli (15.0 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (14.1 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.0 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (22.0 mm) at 100 mg/mL. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 25 mg/mL for all isolates, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 25 mg/mL for S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and K. pneumoniae, but 75 mg/mL for E. coli. These findings validate the traditional medicinal use of M. pruriens leaves and demonstrate that decoction, a safe and culturally relevant extraction method, yields a nutritionally valuable, mineral-rich, and bactericidal extract with potential therapeutic applications

This study examines intergroup relations in Ekpoma before 1897, with a focus on the political, economic, social, and cultural interactions among the various communities that inhabited the area prior to the establishment of British colonial rule. The research investigates the nature of relationships that existed among neighboring groups, the factors that promoted cooperation, and the sources of conflict and rivalry within the region. The study adopts a historical research methodology, utilizing both primary and secondary sources, including oral traditions, archival materials, historical records, and relevant scholarly literature.
Findings reveal that intergroup relations in Ekpoma were largely characterized by peaceful coexistence, trade, intermarriage, cultural exchanges, and mutual assistance among communities. Economic activities such as agriculture, local commerce, and craft production served as important avenues for interaction and cooperation. The study also identifies traditional institutions, kinship ties, festivals, and religious practices as significant factors that strengthened social cohesion and promoted harmonious relationships among different groups.
However, the research further shows that disputes over land ownership, political authority, resource control, and boundary issues occasionally led to conflicts between neighboring communities. Despite these challenges, indigenous conflict-resolution mechanisms, including the intervention of elders, traditional rulers, and community assemblies, played a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability. The study concludes that intergroup relations in Ekpoma before 1897 were shaped by a dynamic combination of cooperation and competition, which contributed significantly to the social, economic, and political development of the area. Understanding these historical interactions provides valuable insight into the foundations of contemporary social relations and community development in Ekpoma.

This study evaluates the spatiotemporal changes of land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation cover in a mapped area of the Ikpoba River catchment in Benin City, Nigeria, from 1965 to 2025 and ascertains the impact of these changes on the rivers’ physicochemical water quality. Geospatial tools, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), were used to map land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation health changes over the sixty-year period. Water samples were collected monthly from three sampling points for a three-month period (May to July 2025) and underwent physicochemical analysis. Analysis revealed a substantial decline in vegetation cover driven by urbanization and infrastructural development. The land cover was overwhelmingly dominated by built-up areas in the latter years (2015 and 2025), a trend that began with the appearance of built-up areas in 1995. Water analysis showed variable pH values, along with high electrical conductivity (EC), total suspended solids (TSS), and turbidity levels. Specifically, turbidity readings (up to 40.00 NTU) significantly exceeded the WHO drinking water limit of 5.00 NTU, indicating severe sediment loading, and pH values exhibited a trend toward the acidic lower limit. These results make it clear that immediate action is needed to better handle waste, stop erosion, plan land use wisely and constantly check the water quality. Implementing these strategies will ensure the long-term protection of the Ikpoba River, maintain ecological stability and secure community members' access to water resources.