2026

In a workplace environment, such as an academic department, knowing the availability of an office occupant remains a persistent challenge for staff and students. Traditional approaches, such as the use of indoor/outdoor tags, are outdated. This research focuses on the design and Implementation of a Real-Time Occupancy Detection and Interactive Staff Availability Display System for Smart Offices. The system uses a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensor to detect when the office occupant is seated. The system provides five distinct status messages that can be automatically broadcast using push buttons on the input unit of the device, and the status communicated are: "In a Meeting - Please Wait" - "Available But Busy","Available - Knock First", "In Class - Back Soon", "Unavailable" (Auto-triggered by inactivity or off-hours. Testing was done in different stages of the design process. After construction, the system was tested, and it worked satisfactorily.

BACKGROUND: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. In Nigeria, ADHD remains largely underdiagnosed and poorly understood, particularly among primary school teachers who serve as frontline identifiers of the condition. Children with ADHD in Nigerian classrooms are often mislabelled as stubborn, lazy, or poorly disciplined due to low teacher awareness and inadequate training on neurodevelopmental disorders. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices regarding ADHD among primary school teachers in the Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, to identify gaps in understanding and the factors influencing teachers' attitudes and practices. It further explores the impact of these factors on classroom identification and support for children with ADHD. The findings from this research will help develop targeted training approaches to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve educational outcomes for children with ADHD in primary schools. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 435 primary school teachers in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City, who were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected via structured self-administered questionnaires adapted from the Knowledge of Attention Deficit Disorders Scale (KADDS), the ADHD Specific Attitudes Scale (SASA), and the Behaviour and Instructional Management Scale (BIMS). IBM SPSS version 27.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive data were expressed as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. Associations between socio demographic factors and knowledge, attitudes, and classroom management practices were analyzed using the chi-square test and logistic regression. The level of significance was set at p <0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Results were presented in prose, tables, and bar charts. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 38.72 ± 8.43 years. The majority 296 (68.0%) were female, and most identified as Benin 203 (46.7%). A significant portion 384 (88.3%) were Christians, and 217 (49.9%) held Nigeria Certificate in Education as their highest qualification. Most teachers, 241 (55.4%), worked in public schools, and 165 (37.9%) had 11 to 20 years of teaching experience. Knowledge assessment revealed that only 62 (14.3%) of teachers displayed adequate knowledge of ADHD, while 296 (68.0%) had low knowledge, particularly in the domains of symptoms, diagnosis, causes, and outcomes. Regarding attitudes, 255 (58.6%) held positive attitudes toward ADHD, though only 52 (11.9%) felt capable of effectively teaching students with ADHD behaviours. Classroom management practices showed that 359 (82.5%) demonstrated high adoption of general management strategies, yet all 435 (100%) teachers reported having no access to school counsellors or special education professionals. Nearly all teachers 431 (99.1%) expressed a strong desire for more training on ADHD. Significant associations were observed between knowledge and school type (p = 0.039), attitude and age group (p = 0.025), as well as attitude and school type (p < 0.001). Teachers with education-based qualifications were 4.2 times more likely to adopt evidence-based management strategies (OR = 4.189, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that more than two-thirds of primary school teachers had poor knowledge of ADHD, with factors such as school type, age, and qualification type playing significant roles. The study also revealed that while a slight majority held positive attitudes toward ADHD, only a small minority felt confident in teaching students with the condition. This study highlights significant gaps in teachers' knowledge and self-efficacy regarding ADHD, with important implications for classroom identification and support. Addressing these challenges through mandatory ADHD training in teacher education, in-service workshops, and deployment of school counsellors is essential to improve early identification and educational outcomes for children with ADHD in Benin City.

This study examined community policing and internal security in Nigeria, with particular reference to Esan North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The main objective of the study was to assess the nature and practice of community policing, its impact on crime reduction and internal security, the challenges facing its implementation, and the role of youths and local
security actors in sustaining community policing initiatives in the study area. The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires administered to residents of Esan North-East Local Government Area. The data
obtained were analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables.
The findings of the study revealed that community policing has improved collaboration between the police and community members, leading to better information sharing and quicker response to crime. The study also found that community policing has contributed to a reduction in crime and an improvement in the level of internal security in the area. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of trust between the police and residents, poor cooperation, and insufficient training of personnel were identified as major obstacles to the effective implementation of community policing. The study concluded that community policing is an effective strategy for enhancing internal security when there is active cooperation between the police and the community. It was therefore recommended that the government should provide adequate funding, improve training for community policing officers, and promote public awareness and community participation in security matters

This study was conducted to find out the Role of Media in Promoting Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Practice among University of Benin Students.

A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The sample size for the study was hundred and fifty (150) students. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire designed to access the role of media in promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practice.

The findings revealed that media doesn’t provide adequate and timely coverage of environmental awareness issues and it has been so overtime. Media coverage not only informs audiences about environmental threats but also explains their causes, consequences, and possible solutions. Media campaigns by organizations like the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and environmental NGOs have improved public awareness of waste management and pollution. University students, being highly media literate, often depend on these channels for environmental updates. Digital media is more effective than traditional media (print and tv/radio stations) in the promotion of environmental awareness among students. Media messages and awareness campaigns provide information that not only educates but also motivates individuals to adopt sustainable practices, such as proper waste disposal and pollution reduction. However, barriers such as limited internet access, information overload, unclear message, low interest, and weak collaboration between media outlets and environmental organization hinder the full impact of media based environmental education. It was therefore recommended that the university should leverage digital and social media platforms, ensure timely and consistent information reaches the students, and that media messages come from credible and reliable sources to enhance their influence on students attitudes and behaviors.

The security and reliability of cloud computing environments face significant threats from the escalating frequency and sophistication of Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks, which cause substantial financial losses and service disruptions while often serving as entry points for further system compromise. This research addresses this critical challenge by developing and evaluating deep learning-based detection models using two contemporary datasets: CICDDOS2019 (254,797 normal and 51,404 attack instances with 78 features) and IDS_ISCX_2012. To mitigate class imbalance, a balanced subset of 50,000 instances per class was created through random under-sampling, with optimal feature selection performed using the K-best method. Two advanced recurrent neural network architectures were implemented and compared: Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BI-LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), both enhanced with temporal attention mechanisms to focus on critical attack patterns within sequential network traffic. Experimental results demonstrated that GRU outperformed BI-LSTM across both datasets, achieving accuracies of 0.93 and 0.65 on IDS_ISCX_2012 and CICDDOS2019 respectively, compared to BI-LSTM's 0.91 and 0.61. The GRU model's simplified architecture proved more computationally efficient while effectively addressing the vanishing gradient problem common in recurrent networks. This study successfully establishes a robust framework for DDOS attack detection in cloud environments, contributing to enhanced network security through improved accuracy, reduced false positives, and practical implement ability for real-time threat mitigation

Background: The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) was designed to provide qualitative healthcare and financial risk protection for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite its potential to ensure Universal Health overage (UHC), limited awareness and low utilisation remain significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness in addressing the health needs of the undergraduate population. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and utilisation of the Tertiary nstitutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 undergraduate students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilisation, and barriers to the use of TISHIP. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0.
Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chisquare tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and utilisation. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good utilisation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 646 respondents participated, with a mean age of 20.3 ± 2.5 years. Three hundred and seventy-five (58.0%) were male, while 271 (42.0%) were female. Overall, knowledge was low, as only 26 (4.0%) had good knowledge of the scheme, while 620 (96.0%) had poor knowledge. espondents aged ˃ 20 years (6.1%) demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of good knowledge compared to those ≤ 20 years (2.6%) (p = 0.025). Regarding attitude, 133 (60.5%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards TISHIP, while 87 (39.5%) demonstrated a negative attitude. Two hundred and seventy-three (42.3%) of the respondents were enrolled in the scheme. Utilisation was poor, as only 102 (37.4%) of enrolled students had ever utilised the services. Respondents in higher academic levels (400L–600L) had a significantly higher proportion of utilisation (57.1%) compared to those in lower levels (24.0%) (p < 0.001).
Multivariate analysis showed that academic level was a significant determinant, with students in lower levels being less likely to utilise the scheme compared to their seniors (OR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.161–0.806, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Undergraduates at the University of Benin demonstrated a generally negative attitude toward TISHIP, coupled with abysmally low knowledge and poor utilisation practices. Significant gaps in institutional communication and administrative barriers remain. Targeted health education
during orientation and the digitalisation of registration processes are essential to improve awareness and ensure effective utilisation of the health insurance scheme.

Acalypha wikesiana, a medicinal plant contains various phytochemicals which enable it perform its beneficial activities. It has gained attraction for its anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties. Colon cancer is a life threatening disease caused by several factors like genetics, environmental exposure and the damaging condition of the digestive tract. And as such 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine, an effective chemical substance was used to induce cancerous tumors in the colon and rectum. The aim of this study is to evaluate the anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties of Acalypha wikesiana on a DMH induced colon cancer. The sum of 46 healthy male rats were assembled into nine. The groups are a control group, a 1,2 dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer group, which served as the standard drug group. The other groups were also induced with 1, 2 dimethylhydrazine but were treated with
different doses of Acalypha wikesiana extracts. The ninth group was the negative control group exposed only to 1,2 dimethylhydrazine. Results indicated significantly reduced tumor size and incidence. Reduced Proinflammatory markers level suggested an anti inflammatory effect of Acalypha wikesiana. In conclusion, it was indicated that Acalypha wikesiana ethanol extracts has an anti inflammatory and apoptotic properties which to a large extent contribute to its protective effects against 1,2 dimethylhydrazine induced colon cancer.

BACKGROUND: Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence characterized by control, restriction, or exploitation of a partner’s access to financial resources, thereby limiting autonomy and reinforcing dependency. It is increasingly recognized as a significant public health and human rights issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where sociocultural norms often reinforce gender inequality. In Nigeria, economic abuse remains underreported despite its impact on women’s wellbeing and economic independence. Given its far-reaching consequences, this study assessed the prevalence and determinants of economic abuse among married women in Benin City.

METHODS: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 530 married women in Benin City, Edo State. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using pretested structured self or interviewer-administered questionnaires adapted from the Scale of Economic Abuse (SEA-12), alongside focus group discussions for qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics summarized variables, while Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests assessed associations. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors of economic abuse, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics and Research Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Confidentiality and voluntary participation were strictly maintained throughout the study.

RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 43.0 ± 11.5 years. Majority were aged 25–44 years 289 (54.5%), married in monogamous unions 503 (94.9%), and of middle socioeconomic status 343 (64.7%). The prevalence of economic abuse was high, with 440 (83.0%) of respondents reporting at least one form. The most common manifestation was economic control, particularly being made to ask or beg for money 248 (56.4%), followed by decision-making without consultation 186 (42.3%) and financial monitoring 185 (42.0%). Employment sabotage and economic exploitation were less commonly reported. Overall, 207 (54.9%) of respondents had poor knowledge of economic abuse despite 377 (71.1%) having heard of it. Bivariate analysis showed that respondent age (χ²=10.835, p=0.013), knowledge of economic abuse (χ²=3.867, p=0.049), and husband’s age (χ²=6.971, p=0.031) were significantly associated with experience of economic abuse. Sociocultural norms, particularly expectations of women’s financial submission, were also significantly associated (χ²=4.302, p=0.038). Higher prevalence was observed among women aged 25-59 years, particularly 45-59 years, compared to younger and older age groups. Similarly, women whose husbands were aged 45-59 years had a higher prevalence compared to those with younger or older spouses. Other factors such as education, income, socioeconomic status, and employment status were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Multivariate analysis identified duration of marriage and knowledge of economic abuse as significant predictors. Increasing duration of marriage was associated with reduced odds of economic abuse (OR=0.947; 95% CI: 0.911–0.986; p=0.007), while respondents with poor knowledge were nearly twice as likely to experience economic abuse (OR=1.937; 95% CI: 1.153–3.253; p=0.012). Sociocultural findings revealed that 311 (58.7%) of respondents perceived husbands as primary financial decision-makers, 283 (53.4%) reported expectations of financial submission, and 373 (70.4%) indicated that women are encouraged to tolerate financial abuse. Financial dependency 230 (43.4%) and patriarchal norms 108 (20.4%) were key perceived drivers. Qualitative findings reinforced these, highlighting male dominance, religious justifications, and normalization of abuse. Coping strategies were largely adaptive, including engaging in informal income activities, borrowing, silent endurance, and reliance on personal financial contributions to sustain the household.

Environmental sanitation remains a major public health concern in market environments, particularly in developing countries where overcrowding, poor waste disposal, and inadequate sanitation facilities are common. This study assessed the knowledge, practices, and barriers to environmental sanitation among market women in Uselu Market.

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the environmental sanitation practices among market women in Uselu market and identify the factors influencing these practices with the aim of providing evidence-based recommendations for improving sanitation standards, reducing environmental health risks, and preventing sanitation-related diseases within market settings.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted among 330 market women selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize data, while Chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables at a 5% level of significance.
Results: Findings revealed that the majority of respondents had good knowledge of environmental sanitation, with 64.5% correctly defining environmental sanitation and over 90% demonstrating awareness of disease prevention, waste management, and environmental cleanliness. Environmental sanitation practices were generally good, as 98.8% cleaned their stalls daily, 93.6% used designated waste bins, and 96.7% participated in sanitation exercises. However, poor practices were observed in waste segregation, where 73.3% never separated waste before disposal, and reporting of sanitation problems, where 34.8% never reported sanitation issues. Major barriers identified included financial constraints (16.7%), lack of waste bins (16.1%), and irregular waste collection (9.1%). Ethnicity was significantly associated with knowledge of environmental sanitation practices (p = 0.005), while religion was significantly associated with sanitation practices (p = 0.021).

Conclusion: The study concluded that although market women demonstrated good knowledge and relatively good sanitation practices, important gaps remain due to infrastructural and financial barriers. The study recommends provision of adequate waste bins, regular waste collection, promotion of waste segregation, continuous health education, and stricter enforcement of sanitation regulations to improve environmental sanitation in market settings

This study examined the use of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning of business education students in the University of Benin. Three research questions were raised to guide the study and one hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all business education students and lecturers within the University of Benin. A sample of one hundred and twenty-three (123) respondents was drawn from the population using a simple random sampling technique. The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Teaching and Learning of Business Education Students in the University of Benin”. The questionnaire consisted of two sections: Section A captured the demographic information of respondents such as age grade and gender, while Section B contained 12 items in which items were derived from each research questions. The instrument for data collection was based on face validity by the researchers supervisor and two experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The reliability of the instrument was determined using the Cronbach Alpha method, which yielded a coefficient of 0.70, indicating that the instrument was reliable for the study.
The findings revealed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in the teaching and learning of Business Education at the University of Benin to a high extent. And that business education students showed positive perceptions regarding the use of AI tools in their learning experience. However, the findings also revealed that students and lecturers face diverse challenges such as poor internet connectivity, the high cost of AI-based applications, lack of technical skill on optimizing the use of AI in learning and teaching, and concerns about plagiarism and academic dishonesty in integrating AI into Business Education. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the use of artificial intelligence significantly promotes effective teaching and learning of business education students in University of Benin. It was recommended, among others, the reorientation for students so as to use AI as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for their own critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while the University of Benin should ensure adequate provision of AI facilities especially for Business Education students to promote their use in teaching.