2026

This study investigates the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and circular economy disclosure level (CEDL) among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, against the backdrop of increasing global emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental accountability. Despite the growing importance of circular economy practices, corporate disclosure in this domain remains largely voluntary, inconsistent, and underdeveloped in emerging economies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This study addresses this gap by examining whether corporate governance mechanisms serve as effective drivers of circular economy disclosure within the Nigerian institutional context. The study adopts an ex post facto research design and utilizes panel data from forty-one (41) manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over a seven-year period (2018–2024). Circular economy disclosure is measured using a 18-item disclosure index adapted from established literature, while corporate governance variables include board size, board gender diversity, board independence, board tenure, board diligence, and the presence of a CSR committee, with firm size included as a control variable. Data were sourced from annual reports and analyzed using fixed effects panel least squares regression, with robust standard errors applied to address heteroskedasticity and serial correlation. The findings revealed that corporate governance mechanisms exert differential effects on circular economy disclosure. Specifically, board gender diversity has a positive and statistically significant influence on CED, indicating that firms with higher female representation on their boards demonstrate greater transparency in circular economy reporting. In contrast, board size exhibits a negative but weakly significant relationship, suggesting that larger boards may hinder effective CED-oriented decision-making. However, board independence, board tenure, board diligence, and the presence of a CSR committee are found to have no significant impact on CED, implying that these governance mechanisms may be largely symbolic rather than substantive within the Nigerian context. Firm size, however, shows a strong positive and significant relationship with CED. The study concludes that effective circular economy disclosure in Nigeria is less dependent on formal governance structures and more influenced by board composition and organizational capacity. It contributes to the literature by providing context-specific empirical evidence from an emerging economy, extending corporate governance and sustainability disclosure research into the circular economy domain. The findings have important implications for policymakers, regulators, and corporate stakeholders, particularly in designing governance frameworks that promote substantive, rather than symbolic, sustainability disclosure practices.

Agricultural intensification remains a critical strategy for enhancing food production among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, when pursued without adequate environmental safeguards, it can generate adverse ecological consequences. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perception of the environmental impacts of agricultural intensification in Benin City, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on soil erosion and water quality changes. The study was anchored on the Environmental Degradation Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, with insights from Political Ecology to explain how livelihood pressures shape farmers’ environmental perceptions and practices. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Primary data were obtained from 60 smallholder farmers and six key informants across Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, and Oredo Local Government Areas using structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests, Fisher’s Exact test, while qualitative information supported interpretation of results. Findings indicate that farmers practice a hybrid form of agricultural intensification. Intercropping (65 percent) and biannual cultivation (46.7 percent) were widely adopted, alongside intensive use of herbicides (70 percent) and pesticides (56.7 percent). Nearly half of the respondents reported that their farms were located within 100 metres of streams or rivers, which they perceived as increasing the risk of agrochemical runoff and water contamination. A substantial proportion of farmers reported visible soil erosion on their farms, particularly under continuous cultivation on sandy-loam soils. Perceived changes in water quality were commonly associated with proximity to water bodies and poor agrochemical handling practices, including unsafe storage near streams. Despite these observations, farmer awareness of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices was limited, as only 31.7 percent of respondents reported having received formal agricultural training. The study concludes that smallholder farmers in Benin City possess experiential knowledge of the environmental consequences of agricultural intensification, but livelihood pressures, land constraints, and weak institutional support influence their continued reliance on environmentally risky practices. It recommends strengthening extension services, promoting conservation agriculture, enforcing buffer-zone regulations around water bodies, and improving access to training on sustainable land and water management. By providing localized empirical evidence on farmers’ perceptions, this study contributes to the broader discourse on balancing food security and environmental sustainability in peri-urban farming systems in Nigeria and similar developing-country contexts.

Environmental pollution from fish processing activities is a critical issue in Nigeria, especially in urban areas such as Benin City, where the rapid growth of artisanal fish processing contributes to environmental degradation. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of stakeholder participation in managing environmental pollution resulting from fish processing activities in Benin City, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 80 respondents, including fish processors, market association leaders, community leaders, waste disposal service providers, and local government officers within the study area. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings were presented in tables and figures for clarity and proper interpretation. Findings revealed that fish processing sites generate multiple waste types, including fish scales (82%), waste water (91%), packaging waste (74%), oil/fat residues (76%), and ash (69%), most of which are disposed of through open dumping, burning, or drainage channels. Key stakeholders identified include waste service providers, NGOs, community leaders, market associations, and environmental officers. However, stakeholder participation was found to be only moderately effective, limited by inadequate coordination, poor enforcement, and insufficient waste infrastructure. The study concludes that sustainable waste management in fish processing requires strong institutional collaboration, participatory governance, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced environmental education to promote cleaner and safer fish processing practices in Benin City.

This study examined the factors affecting the effective teaching of physics practicals in senior secondary schools in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State. The study specifically examined infrastructural challenges influencing physics practical teaching, the availability and adequacy of physics laboratory equipment, and the qualification and teaching experience of physics teachers conducting practical lessons. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of physics teachers in senior secondary schools within the study area, from which a sample of 50 teachers was selected using simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Teachers’ Questionnaire on the Effective Teaching of Physics Practicals. The instrument was validated by experts and the collected data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage. A criterion mean of 2.50 was used for decision making. Findings revealed that inadequate laboratory space, poor electricity supply, insufficient sitting arrangements, lack of functional laboratories, and limited time allocation significantly affect the teaching of physics practicals. The results also showed that although some laboratory equipment are available, many are inadequate or not properly maintained, thereby limiting effective practical instruction. Furthermore, the majority of physics teachers were found to be academically qualified and experienced, with most having five years and above teaching experience, which positively influences practical teaching effectiveness. Based on the findings, the study concluded that infrastructural deficiencies and inadequate laboratory equipment remain major barriers to effective physics practical teaching despite the presence of qualified teachers. It was therefore recommended that government and school authorities should provide adequate laboratory facilities, ensure sufficient and functional physics equipment, improve electricity supply, and support continuous professional development for

This study evaluated social media as a communication tool for promoting effective public relations among organisations in Benin City. The study was guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Social Media Engagement Theory. The Objectives of the study were to: Identify the social media platforms most commonly used by organisations for public relations, ascertain how organisations use social media to communicate with the public, investigate the effectiveness of social media in improving PR outcomes and identify the challenges organisations face when using social media for public relations. The study used a survey research design and administered 258 questionnaires to undergraduate mass communication students at the University of Benin. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that Facebook and X are the most commonly used platforms for public relations in Benin City. Organisations primarily use social media for oneway communication, such as product information, customer service, and press releases, with the most common posting frequency being daily or weekly. Social media was thought to be generally effective in increasing visibility, audience reach and cost-effectiveness, but its effectiveness in crisis management was moderate. The main challenges were identified as an unreliable power supply, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of professional expertise. The study concludes that, while social media adoption for public relations is high in Benin City, organizations must embrace interactive engagement, invest in professional training, and address infrastructure challenges to achieve the best PR results.

This Study examined the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of students in University of Benin. The widespread in adoption and use of digital technologies for teaching and learning informed the study, emphasizing the need to understand how digital learning apps impact academic performance as measured by grades, GPA and other indicators of academic success. The study was guided by four objectives: To identify the level of exposure of students at the University of Benin to digital learning apps, to determine the frequency of usage of
digital learning apps for academic purposes, to examine the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of University of Benin students, and to identify the challenges faced by University of Benin students while using digital learning apps. In terms of theoretical framework, the Constructivist Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovation was adopted. Using a survey design, a sample size of 287 undergraduate full-time students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that there is a high level of digital learning apps awareness among University of Benin students. Digital learning apps was also found to significantly enhance students' retention and grades. However, challenges such as poor internet connection, high cost of data, digital distraction and little training on the use of digital learning apps were identified. The study concludes that digital learning apps positively influences students' academic performance despite certain obstacles. The researcher therefore recommends that the University should implement digital literacy programs that will help students learn how to effectively use digital learning apps, also call for the provision of free Internet (WiFi) within the University.

This Study examined the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of students in University of Benin. The widespread in adoption and use of digital technologies for teaching and learning informed the study, emphasizing the need to understand how digital learning apps impact academic performance as measured by grades, GPA and other indicators of academic success. The study was guided by four objectives: To identify the level of exposure of students of the University of Benin to digital learning apps, to determine the frequency of usage of digital learning apps for academic purposes, to examine the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of university of Benin students, and to identify the challenges faced by university of Benin students while using digital learning apps. In terms of theoretical framework, the Constructivist Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovation was adopted. Using a survey design, a sample size of 287 undergraduate full-time students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that there is a high level of digital learning apps awareness among university of Benin students. Digital learning apps was also found to significantly enhance students retention and grades. However, challenges such as poor internet connection, high cost of data, digital distraction and little training on the use of digital learning apps were identified. The study concludes that digital learning apps positively influences students academic performance despite certain obstacles. The researcher therefore recommends that the University should implement digital literacy programs that will help students learn how to effectively use digital learning apps, also call for the provision of free Internet (WiFi) within the University.

This study seeks to determine the effect of social media, specifically Facebook, on youth involvement in politics during the 2024 Edo State Governorship election. With the recent increase in digital communication technologies, politics have been revolutionized especially among the youth who use social media for various political actions. The study evaluates the effects of exposure to political messages in Facebook on youths' engagement in political activities, their perception towards political figures, and their belief in political messages. Four main research objectives informed the study. These include determining the extent to which youth are exposed to political content in Facebook, assessing how this exposure affects their involvement in politics, analyzing the effect of peer influence on the development of political views, and determining the credibility of the information circulated politically via social media. A survey research method was utilized. Information was gathered through the use of questionnaires. From the findings of the research, it is evident that many youths are regularly exposed to political content via the social network, which has a positive effect on their political knowledge and involvement. Nevertheless, findings from the research indicate that misleading information and content play an important role in shaping perception of political messages and even inhibit political participation in some cases. Additionally, peer pressure has been established to be a key determinant of youths' political perspectives. Despite the potential benefits of using the social network in politics, issues such as misleading and unreliable political messages need to be addressed.

This study investigated the Application Of Information Communication Technology In The Teaching And Learning Process In Senior Secondary School In Egor Local Government Area Of Edo State. Four (4) research questions were raised that guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised few teachers from SS 1 - SS3 in Egor Local Government Area as at the period of the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select few teachers teaching information communication technology in senior secondary school in Egor local government area of Edo state as sample for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Application Of Information Communication Technology In The Teaching And Learning Process'' (QAICTTLP). It was validated by the researchers’ supervisor and two experts. Its reliability was established at 0.7 using Cronbach Alpha method. The data collected for the study was analyzed using frequency tables and simple percentages. The findings revealed that the information communication technology tools available for teaching and learning were relatively low, they were trained personnel to carry out information communication technology though it was rarely used and are aware of the usefulness of information communication technology and It was recommended that there should be trained personnel to effectively carry out information communication technology and awareness of information communication technology should be encouraged.