2026

Background: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices are essential for adolescent health, dignity, and academic performance. Inadequate knowledge, poor attitudes, and limited facilities in schools contribute to waterborne diseases, absenteeism, and reduced learning outcomes. Despite sensitization efforts, misconceptions about WASH remain common among secondary school students, influenced by age, sex, family structure, and socioeconomic background. Strengthening WASH education and infrastructure is critical to improving hygiene practices and reducing risks.

Objective: To assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, prevalence, and determinants of WASH
practices among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria, with the aim of identifying gaps and making recommendations for improved hygiene management in schools.

Subjects and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 550 secondary school students selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested self- administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 27.0. Associations between socio- demographic characteristics and WASH knowledge, attitude, and practice were tested using chi-square statistics, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05 at 95% confidence.

Results: The mean age of respondents was 14.05 ± 1.85 years, with females comprising 60.4%. Awareness of WASH was moderate (71.9%), with teachers (48.3%) and parents (27.0%) as the main sources of information. Good knowledge of WASH was found in 177 (46.5%) respondents, while 204 (53.5%) demonstrated poor knowledge. Age was significantly associated with knowledge: students aged ≥17 years had higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 9.52; 95% CI =3.21–28.23; p < 0.001) compared to those aged 10–13 years. Female students were more likely to have good knowledge than males (OR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.17–2.71; p = 0.007). Junior secondary students (JSS) were significantly less likely to have good knowledge compared to senior secondary students (SSS) (OR = 0.005, 95% CI = 0.001–0.017, p < 0.001). This finding confirms that class level, reflecting both age and curriculum exposure, is a critical determinant of
WASH knowledge. Parental occupation also influenced knowledge, with students whose fathers were in skill level 4 jobs having higher odds of good knowledge (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.31– 4.43; p = 0.036). Mother’s occupation showed similar associations (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.45– 6.71; p = 0.004). Attitudes toward WASH were generally positive, but determinants were significant. Students with good knowledge were more likely to have positive attitudes (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.34– 5.92; p = 0.006). Conversely, not living with both parents reduced the odds of positive attitude (OR = 0.40; 95% CI = 0.21–0.76; p = 0.005). The prevalence of good WASH practices was encouraging but not universal. While handwashing after toilet use was common (74.8%), fewer students practiced handwashing before meals (51.2%) or recognized the need for gender-separated toilets with nearby handwashing facilities (49.3%). Good knowledge increased the odds of good practice (OR = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.17–4.19; p = 0.015), while lack of privacy in hostels or public toilets was significantly associated with poor menstrual hygiene practice (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.01–2.87; p = 0.047).

Conclusion: Although awareness and knowledge of WASH were encouraging, substantial gaps remain in practical knowledge, attitudes, and consistent hygiene practices. Younger students and males were more likely to have poor knowledge, while family structure and privacy issues influenced attitudes and practices. Improving school- based health education, expanding the role of health clubs, strengthening WASH facilities, and providing private, girl-friendly spaces are essential to promote safe practices, reduce disease burden, and enhance academic performance among secondary school students.

The study was carried out to Investigate the Impact Of Instructional Materials On Computer Education In Junior Secondary Schools In Egor Local Government Area, Edo State The population of this study consists of all junior secondary school students offering Computer Education in public junior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The total student population is about 4,000 students, drawn from 20 public junior secondary schools in the area. These students form the main focus of the study because they are the direct beneficiaries of instructional materials used in teaching Computer Education and can provide valuable information on how these materials influence their understanding and academic performance. A total of 370 students were selected from the population of 4,000 junior secondary school students offering Computer Education in public junior secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The sample size was determined using Yamane’s formula (1967) at a 5% level of precision, which provides a reliable representation of the entire population. The study adopted a stratified random sampling technique to ensure fair representation of students from different schools and class levels (JSS1, JSS2, and JSS3). In the first stage, schools within Egor Local Government Area were grouped as strata, and from each stratum, a proportionate number of students were randomly selected to make up the total sample of 370 students. This method was chosen to avoid bias and to ensure that students from all participating schools had an equal chance of being included in the study. The following recommendations were made; School administrators and the Ministry of Education should sustain and further improve the provision of essential instructional materials, particularly audiovisual aids (projectors and display screens) and updated instructional software, to address areas where availability was relatively moderate. Policies should be strengthened to ensure uninterrupted access to computer laboratories and internet facilities, including extended opening hours and equitable scheduling to accommodate all classes and eliminate minor access disparities. Continuous professional development programs should be organized for computer education teachers to enhance their skills in integrating multimedia, software applications, and digital tools into lessons, thereby promoting optimal utilization of available resources.

Background: Infertility is a global public health concern affecting approximately one in six people of reproductive age worldwide, with a prevalence of 15.7–22% in Nigeria. Globally, infertility remains a significant reproductive health challenge and is associated with profound
social, psychological, cultural, and economic consequences, particularly among women in developing countries. In many African societies, including Nigeria, infertility is often interpreted through cultural and spiritual lenses, leading to stigma, discrimination, and
delayed utilization of evidence-based medical care. In Benin City, market women operate within deeply traditional cultural frameworks that significantly shape their perceptions of infertility and their health-seeking behaviour. Despite growing access to modern medical treatments, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, limited knowledge of treatment options, and socio-demographic barriers continue to hinder appropriate care utilization in this demographic. Therefore, understanding their beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options is essential for designing culturally sensitive reproductive health interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Specific objectives were to identify cultural beliefs and perceptions of infertility, determine the level of knowledge of infertility
treatment options, examine the relationship between cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options, and assess the socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing a quantitative method of data collection was used. The study was conducted among market women aged 18–65 years
in four selected markets within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, between January 2025 and May 2026. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 440 respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer- and self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic characteristics, cultural beliefs and perceptions, and knowledge of infertility treatment options. Cultural beliefs, perceptions, and knowledge were scored and categorized using Bloom's cut-off criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, Spearman’s
correlation, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 440 market women participated (100% response rate), with a mean age of 39.6 (12.5) years. The majority were married (about 11 in 20), predominantly of the Benin ethnic group, predominantly Christian (about 9 in 10), relatively educated, with a majority with at least a secondary education (about 4 in 5). Nearly three-quarters held positive cultural beliefs about infertility, while about two-thirds demonstrated positive perceptions of the condition. However, only about 2 in 5 respondents demonstrated good knowledge of infertility treatment options, with the majority showing poor knowledge. Respondents generally recognized infections, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, male infertility
among others as causes of infertility and were aware of treatment modalities including medications, surgery, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). Higher educational attainment (p < 0.001), Igbo ethnicity (p = 0.008), use of social media, health workers,family/friends, and religious centres as health information sources (p < 0.001), and longer years of market experience (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with good knowledge. Respondents with positive cultural beliefs were significantly more likely to have good knowledge compared to those with negative beliefs (p = 0.001), and good perception was strongly associated with good knowledge (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, tertiary education (OR = 19.335), positive cultural beliefs (OR= 2.719), and good perception (OR = 2.912) were significant independent predictors of good knowledge. Conclusion: The study found that although the majority of market women in Benin City hold positive cultural beliefs and perceptions regarding infertility, a substantial proportion still
harbour supernatural misconceptions, and the overall level of knowledge of infertility treatment options remains poor. Education, cultural orientation, and access to diverse health information sources are critical determinants of infertility knowledge. Comprehensive, culturally sensitive reproductive health programs targeting market women, particularly those with lower educational attainment, should be prioritized to improve knowledge, address harmful cultural beliefs, reduce stigma, and promote timely utilization of evidence-based
infertility care.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations. Keywords: Cancer screening, early detection, first-degree relatives, knowledge, screening uptake, Benin City,

This study examined the availability and utilization of e-learning resources in the teaching of English language among secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The study was prompted by the increasing importance of digital technologies in education and the need to understand their role in improving English language teaching and learning in a developing context. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected students and teachers in Egor Secondary School. Findings revealed that e-learning resources such as computers, digital materials, multimedia tools, and internet facilities enhance students’ proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking when effectively utilized. However, challenges such as inadequate availability of resources, poor infrastructure, irregular power supply, insufficient teacher training, and limited technical support hinder effective utilization. The study concludes that e-learning resources play a significant role in improving English language learning, but their impact is constrained by several institutional and infrastructural challenges. It therefore recommends that government and school authorities provide adequate ICT facilities, improve infrastructure, and organize continuous training for teachers to enhance the effective integration of e-learning resources in secondary schools.

This study was designed to assess the presence and levels of selected heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microbes in bank note dust as well as their potential health risks. Two commercial banks (Location A, Ekehuan Road, located in Oredo Local Government Area, and Location B, Ugbowo, University of Benin Campus in Ovia North-East Local Government Area) were selected within Benin City metropolis and banknote dust from the counting rooms were collected. The samples were extracted using wet digestion for heavy metals concentrations and solvent (hexane) extraction for the PAHs. The extracted samples were cleaned up and the concentrations determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, AAS (Buck Scientific, VGP210) and gas chromatograph fitted with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) were used to determine heavy metals and PAHs respectively. Particle size determination was carried out by using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques based onBrownian movement principles. Results obtained revealed that the sizes of the dust particles were in the range of 36.57 nm and 48.48 nm which the nano range (0-100 nm). The results of heavy metal analysis revealed that the concentration of iron was the highest value for both locations A (2,055 ± 70.06 mg/kg) and B (1,934.53 ± 68.64 mg/kg). This result is below standard (10,000 mg/kg) set by WHO/USEPA. While cadmium was the lowest concentration of 1.82 ± 0.30 mg/kg and 0.95 ± 0.15 mg/kg for locations A and B respectively, exceeding the permissible limit of 0.8 mg/kg for cadmium as set by WHO. Copper for locations A and B were found to be 56.06 ± 2.53 mg/kg and 50.56 ± 4.42 mg/kg respectively exceeding limit of 36.0 mg/kg standard set by WHO. The concentrations of the heavy metals were found to follow the order: Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cr ˃ Cu ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location A and Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Cu ˃ Cr ˃ Ni ˃ Pb ˃ Cd for location B with location A having higher concentration of Cr than location B. PAHs results revealed that all 16 EPA priority PAHs as specified by WHO/USEPA were detected in the banknote dust samples from the two locations. Location A had the highest PAHs summation of 4.278 µg/kg with pyrene alone contributing 3.084 µg/kg, while for location B, phenanthrene was the highest with a value of 1.167 µg/kg. The diagnostic ratio suggests multi-sources ranging from petrogenic to pyrogenic, traffic to non-traffic emissions, coal and wood combustion. Microbial analysis revealed significant loads of bacteria with 1.2 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu obtained from locations A and B respectively while the fungi load was found to be x 2.0 x 104 cfu and 1.1 x 104 cfu for locations A and B respectively. The bacteria identified was streptococcus spp while the fungi were aspergillus and penicillium. This study clearly indicated the potential health risk faced by bank staff especially those in the cash processing units due to long exposure to banknote dust and it is recommended that regulatory bodies monitor human exposure to these pollutants and adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) be made available to staff working in these sections of the banks.

Background: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into higher education has transformed how students access information, complete academic tasks, and engage with learning. While AI offers significant benefits in efficiency and academic support, growing concerns exist regarding excessive student reliance on these tools, with potential implications for critical thinking, cognitive autonomy, and academic integrity. Despite near-universal AI adoption among students globally, empirical data on the nature and extent of AI dependency among Nigerian undergraduates remain limited. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 588 undergraduate students selected from the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire that assessed AI tool awareness and usage, patterns of AI use, and level of AI dependency using the validated 22-item Artificial Intelligence Dependence Scale (AIdep-22), which measures four domains: functional dependence, cognitive dependence, emotional dependence, and loss of control. Factors associated with AI dependency were also explored. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 29.0; frequencies, proportions, and means were computed for descriptive statistics, while chi-square tests assessed associations between categorical variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.73 ± 4.65 years, with 52.9% being male. Internet access (99.1%) and smartphone ownership (98.6%) were nearly universal. AI tool awareness was reported by 99.3% of respondents, and 98.1% were active users, with ChatGPT being the most recognised (99.0%), most commonly used (83.2%), and most frequently used (83.2%) tool. The primary academic applications were research assistance (72.3%), summarization of materials (69.7%), and writing support (66.7%), with over half reporting daily use. Regarding usage behaviours, 77.9% reported verifying AI outputs relatively more frequently while 58.8% modified AI-generated content before use more frequently, and 15.0% admitted to unethical use including examination malpractice. In terms of dependency, 49.8% of students exhibited low AI dependency, 40.1% moderate dependency, and 10.0% high dependency. Domain-level mean scores were highest for functional dependence (2.86), followed by emotional dependence (2.55), cognitive dependence (2.50), and loss of control (2.27), with an overall AIdep-22 mean of 2.55, corresponding to moderate dependency. Verification behaviour (p = 0.004) and modification of AI outputs (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with dependency level. The key factors associated with AI dependency were heavy academic workload, high performance expectations, ease of AI access, and fear of making errors. Conclusion: AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, have become deeply embedded in undergraduate academic life at the University of Benin, with near-universal awareness and adoption. Most students exhibited moderate AI dependency, with functional dependence being the most prominent domain. Verification behaviour and output modification were significantly associated with dependency level, underscoring the importance of critical engagement with AI-generated content. These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional guidelines, AI literacy programmes, and pedagogical strategies that promote responsible AI use while preserving students' intellectual independence and academic integrity.

This study was set out to determine the impact of Diversity and Inclusion, and Employee productivity. The specific focus include to examine the impact of demographics, Inclusion strategies, and pay equity on employee productivity. Also, there was the need to unveil the challenges of workplace diversity and inclusion. The survey research design was employed with a total population size of 100 and a sample size of 44. The primary instrument used for data collection in this study was a structured questionnaire designed to obtain relevant information from transport staff regarding diversity, inclusion, and employee productivity. Both descriptive and inferential statistic were employed in analysing the data. The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between demographic factors, inclusion strategies, and pay equity and employee productivity.

Employee engagement and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) have emerged as central constructs in organizational psychology and human resource management. Both phenomena significantly influence employee motivation, performance, and organizational effectiveness. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review exploring the conceptual foundations, dimensions, determinants, and interrelationship between employee engagement and OCB, with a particular focus on public-sector employees at the local government level. Drawing on foundational and contemporary scholarship, the review underscores that employee engagement—defined as a positive, fulfilling, work-related psychological state encompassing vigor, dedication, and absorption—serves as a critical antecedent to discretionary behaviours that characterize OCB. The paper further discusses mediating factors such as organizational support and moderating variables like job satisfaction, highlighting their influence on the engagement– OCB nexus. Finally, a conceptual framework is proposed to guide future empirical studies. Keywords: Employee engagement, organizational citizenship behaviour, organizational support, job satisfaction, public sector, Nigeria

Background: Poor mental health among public servants is a growing concern with significant implications for workplace productivity and overall well-being. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) among public servants in Benin City, Edo State, to identify key influencing factors, gaps in
awareness, negative perceptions, and the extent of these conditions within the workforce in order to promote early identification and treatment, improve employee well-being, and enhance productivity and job performance among public servants. Objective: This study is aimed to determine the lvel of knowledge of mental health, assess attitudes, prevalence and factors influencing mental health status among public servants in, Benin City, Edo state. Methods: A Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 public servants across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Benin City. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique, and data were collected using a pretested self- administered questionnaire adapted from the Depression, Anxiety, stress scale (DASS), job demand control support model (JDCS), and the Effort reward model (ERI). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statical significance was set at p˂0.05, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35 ± 6.9 years. Two hundred and sixty-one (60.0%) of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of mental health, while 265 (57.6%) held a positive attitude towards mental health. The prevalence of depression was 16.7% (n=77), anxiety was 22.8% (n=105), and stress was 9.3% (n=43). Significant predictors of mental health conditions included high workload (AOR=2.202; CI=1.401–3.462; p=0.001) and conflicts with xvi supervisors or coworkers (AOR=0.493; CI=0.313–0.777; p=0.002). Additionally, sex (p < 0.001), average working hours (p < 0.01), and current cadre (p = 0.021) were significantly associated with the level of good knowledge, while current job role( p˂ 0.001), average working hours (p˂0.048) were significantly associate with positive attitude. Conclusion: Although more than half of the public servants possessed good knowledge and a positive attitude toward mental health, the prevalence of conditions like anxiety remains notable. There is a need for targeted workplace interventions to reduce excessive workloads and improve supportive supervision to enhance the mental well-being of the workforce