As sustainability becomes an essential focus in modern construction, the exploration of alternative materials and the reuse of industrial waste have gained increasing attention. This study examines the feasibility of using wood ash (WA) as a partial replacement for Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in the production of Grade 25 concrete, assessing its effects on workability and compressive strength. Concrete samples were produced using a 1:1:2 mix ratio with a 0.41 water–cement ratio, incorporating 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% replacements of cement by wood ash. Tests conducted included particle size distribution, slump test, compressive strength test, and water absorption test, with evaluations carried out at 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. The results revealed a consistent reduction in workability as wood ash content increased, with slump values decreasing from 30 mm (control) to 0 mm at 20% replacement. Compressive strength results showed that 5% replacement yielded comparable performance to the control mix (32.49 N/mm² vs. 32.51 N/mm²), while higher replacement levels resulted in strength reduction. Water absorption tests indicated varied permeability levels. The 5% replacement demonstrated an absorption rate of 6.21%, conforming to BS 1881 122:2011, while 10%, 15%, and 20% replacements recorded progressively lower values, with 20% achieving 1.25%, indicating excellent quality and durability. Based on these findings, the study concludes that wood ash can effectively replace up to 5% of cement in structural concrete applications without significant compromise in strength or durability. Beyond this level, the decrease in strength suggests that higher replacements are more suitable for non-structural uses, such as blocks or pavements, where lower strength requirements apply

This study examines the determinants of insurance sector solvency in Nigeria using panel data from 2013 to 2024. The analysis focuses on Gross Premium Income, Insurance Penetration Rate, and Claims Ratio as the key explanatory variables. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and secondary data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression techniques. The Hausman specification test confirmed the fixed effects model as the appropriate estimator. The findings show that Gross Premium Income and Insurance Penetration Rate have positive and significant effects on solvency, indicating that higher premium inflows and deeper market participation strengthen insurers’ financial positions. Claims Ratio has a negative and significant effect on solvency, suggesting that higher claims payments reduce financial stability. Preliminary diagnostic tests support the validity of the model and justify the use of robust estimation procedures. The study concludes that improved premium performance, increased market penetration, and effective claims management are critical for enhancing solvency in Nigeria’s insurance sector. The results provide useful insights for regulators, policymakers, and industry practitioners seeking to promote financial resilience within the industry.

This study focuses on enhancing student teaching effectiveness through reflective practice: a case study of University of Benin. The study employed four objectives which includes to examine how student teachers at the University of Benin understand and engage in reflective practice; to assess the perceived impact of reflective practice on the effectiveness of student teaching; to examine the relationship between students teachers reflective practice, class management and student engagement; and to find out if technology enhances reflective teaching practice, using digital aid. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The data was analyzed using frequency and percentage tables, the results showed that most student teachers are aware of the concept of reflective teaching practice, but few have received formal instruction or training on how to apply it systematically during their teaching practice. The results also showed that a significant number of student teachers do not perceive reflective practice as directly improving their teaching effectiveness. The results indicate that student teachers are actively engaging in reflective practices to some extent; however, there is a clear need for these strategies to be more deliberately and systematically integrated into the teacher education curriculum at the University of Benin. The study recommended that there is a critical need for reflective practices to be formally integrated into the teacher education curriculum through structured activities, mentoring, and training to enhance student teaching performance. Workshops, seminars, and classroom sessions should be organized to teach student teachers how to engage in effective reflective practices, including the use of journals, self-assessment tools, and peer feedback. Student teachers should be given regular assignments that require them to reflect on their teaching, identify areas for improvement, and propose specific strategies for development. Schools used for teaching practice should promote a culture that values and supports reflective teaching through regular discussions, feedback, and collaborative learning environments.

Groundwater pollution from improper waste disposal is a growing environmental and publichealth concern in rapidly urbanizing regions such as Benin City, Nigeria. The widespread use of unlined, open dumpsites without leachate control has intensified the infiltration of decomposed organic and inorganic wastes into the subsurface, resulting in gradual deterioration of groundwater quality. This study investigates the influence of leachate from two major dumpsites on groundwater in the Saint Saviour area of Ikpoba-Okha LGA, where a dense population relies heavily on groundwater for domestic use. Groundwater samples were collected at radial distances of 100 m, 200 m, and 300 m from Dumpsite 1 and Dumpsite 2. Leachate samples were obtained directly from seepage zones within the waste cells. All samples were analyzed following APHA standard procedures. In situ measurements included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and salinity. Nutrient parameters—nitrate, phosphate, and sulphate— were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, K) were analyzed through acid digestion (leachate) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Results were compared with WHO (2017; 2021) and SON (2015) drinking-water standards. Findings indicate a clear spatial gradient of contamination: pollutant concentrations were highest within the dumpsites and decreased with distance. Leachate exhibited extremely high EC (up to 6,888 µS/cm), elevated TDS (>3,300 mg/L), high salinity, and pH values ranging from slightly acidic to neutral (4.70–7.46). These patterns reflect the breakdown of organic refuse, plastics, detergents, metals, and other waste materials. The acidity promotes metal solubility, increasing the mobility of toxic elements. Nutrient concentrations were elevated near the dumpsites, with nitrate (0.481–0.585 mg/L), phosphate (0.429–1.584 mg/L), and sulphate (0.070–1.538 mg/L), indicating early nutrient enrichment from sewage, food waste, and detergents. Though below WHO limits, these values suggest a potential progression toward eutrophication and long-term ecological stress. Heavy metals provided the most significant evidence of contamination. Lead (Pb) reached 0.70 mg/L—over sixty times the WHO guideline of 0.01 mg/L. Cadmium (0.01 mg/L), chromium (0.10 mg/L), and nickel (0.06 mg/L) exceeded or approached recommended limits. Their sources include batteries, electronics, metal scraps, plastics, and paints commonly found in municipal waste. These metals are persistent, nonbiodegradable, and pose severe health risks such as neurological damage (Pb), renal dysfunction (Cd), carcinogenicity (Cr⁶⁺), and respiratory disorders (Ni). Iron levels (up to 2.50 mg/L) exceeded aesthetic limits, affecting taste and appearance of water. Overall, results show that the shallow aquifers of Saint Saviour, characterized by the permeable sandy soils of the Benin Formation, are highly vulnerable to leachate migration. The findings align with previous studies highlighting groundwater deterioration around unregulated dumpsites in developing urban centers. This study underscores the urgent need for improved waste-management policies, groundwater monitoring, and the prevention of prolonged human exposure to contaminated water sources.

Sales forecasting and recommendation systems have become essential tools for businesses seeking to optimize inventory management, enhance customer experience, and maximize revenue. This project focuses on developing a machine learning-based sales forecasting and recommendation system to analyze historical sales data, predict future trends, and provide personalized product recommendations. The forecasting component leverages time series analysis and deep learning techniques such as Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and ARIMA models to predict future sales with high accuracy. The recommendation system utilizes collaborative and content-based filtering to suggest products tailored to customer preferences. The system is implemented using Python, with data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model training conducted using libraries such as TensorFlow, Scikit-Learn, and Pandas. The recommendation engine is integrated into an interactive user interface that enables businesses to gain insights into customer behavior and optimize their marketing strategies. Through extensive testing and evaluation, the system demonstrates improved forecasting accuracy and enhances the user experience by providing intelligent product recommendations. This project contributes to the field of e-commerce analytics by offering a data-driven solution to boost sales performance and customer engagement

The study investigated the sub-chronic effects of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on the weekly body weight and organ weight indices of Wistar rats. A. grandiflora, commonly known as the Giant African Cabbage Tree, is widely used in African traditional medicine for treating malaria, liver disorders, and metabolic diseases. Despite its extensive ethnomedicinal applications, limited toxicological data exist regarding its long-term physiological effects. Fresh leaves of A. grandiflora were extracted with methanol, and twenty male Wistar rats were orally administered graded doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight for 28 days, with a control group receiving distilled water. Weekly body weight measurements and post-treatment organ weights (liver, kidneys, heart, spleen, and testes) were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with significance at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed no significant adverse effect on body or organ weights across all doses compared to control, suggesting that the methanol extract did not induce major systemic toxicity under the experimental conditions. The observed stable weight progression and normal organ-to-body weight ratios indicate a relatively safe toxicological profile of A. grandiflora at the tested doses. The findings support its ethnomedicinal use and provide baseline data for further biochemical and histopathological safety evaluations.

This study investigated workload and lifestyle as correlates of stress among university lecturers in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to examine the relationships between lecturers 'workload, lifestyle, and stress levels, and to determine whether academic rank and university type moderate these relationships. 9 research question were stated and answered, and 6 hypothesis were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A survey research design was adopted, involving a population of 3,092 lecturers across federal, state, and private universities. A sample of 357 lecturers was selected through a multi stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire divided into four sections: Section A (demographic data), Section B (ASUU Workload Form), Section C (Lifestyle Questionnaire), and Section D (adopted Stress Scale from the DASS). The instrument was validated by the research supervisors and three experts from the Department of Health, Safety, and Environmental Education. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha which yielded the following reliability coefficients: 0.81 for the ASUU Workload Form, 0.71 for the Lifestyle Questionnaire, and 0.78 for the adopted Stress Scale (from the DASS). Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to answer nine research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to test hypotheses 1 and 2, and Fisher’s Z transformation was used for hypotheses 3 to 6. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between workload and stress, and a significant negative relationship between lifestyle and stress. Further analysis showed that academic rank significantly moderated the relationship between workload and stress, but not between lifestyle and stress. University type did not significantly moderate the relationship between either workload and stress or lifestyle and stress. The study concludes that both workload and lifestyle are critical predictors of stress among university lecturers, with academic rank influencing the effect of workload. It recommends institutional strategies to manage workload and promote healthier lifestyles to reduce occupational stress.

Parkia biglobosa (African locust beans) is a perennial plant, it's seed has been reported to have good organoleptic containing high levels of fat, crude protein, pure protein, carbohydrates and starch. The fermented seed of P.biglobosa has been reported to contain an increased level of nutrients and secondary metabolites such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, phenols, saponins, flavonoids as compared to the unfermented seed. In various studies p.biglobosa has been shown to have antiulcer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory therapeutic properties. Aspirin is a salicylic acid and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Aspirin is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. Aspirin has been reported to have cardiovascular protective effect as well as adverse effects such as stomach ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study is to investigate fermented seed extract of Parkia biglobosa for its gastroprotective effect on aspirin induced gastrointestinal injury. Thirty male wistar rats where used for this study,which was divided into six groups having five rats per group (n=5). Animals in group one served as the unexposed group, groups two where fed 1000mg/kg of extract, group three where fed 20mg/kg of aspirin, group four, five and six were fed the extract and aspirin at alternated time frame. Histological changes as well as stomach weight, initial and final body weight were analyzed. Statistical softway SPSS version 20 was used to analyze the data obtained. The statistical results showed no significant difference in increased stomach and body weight at p value <0.05. In the histological analysis of the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine, group one and two where normal, group three had inflammation as a result of the aspirin administered. In group four the various parts analyzed where normal which showed the counter effect of p.biglobosa. Group five and six had various parts still inflamed which could be as a result of increased dosage or the duration of administration. In conclusion, it maybe inferred that Parkia biglobosa has an effect, which is a counteracting effect on aspirin against gastrointestinal tract injury in male wistar rat.

This study examines the impact of the Okomu Oil Palm Company on the socio- economic and environmental development of Udo Community in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State from 1976 to 2015. Agriculture has historically been a major driver of Nigeria’s economy, with the oil palm industry playing a central role in employment generation, food production, and industrial growth. As one of the leading agro-industrial firms in the country, Okomu Oil Palm Company has significantly shaped the development trajectory of its host community since its establishment in 1976. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach to assess both the positive and negative impacts of the company’s operations on Udo Community. Findings reveal that the company has contributed to economic growth through job creation, infrastructure development, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. However, these benefits are accompanied by challenges such as land disputes, deforestation, environmental degradation, and the displacement of local farmers whose livelihoods depend on subsistence agriculture. The research further highlights the emergence of social tensions, including conflicts over land ownership, allegations of inadequate compensation, and resistance from affected community members and civil society groups. Despite these issues, there remains a gap in comprehensive academic analysis of the long-term effects of agro-industrial activities on host communities in Nigeria. This study concludes that while Okomu Oil Palm Company has played a vital role in stimulating economic activities in Udo Community, its operations have also generated significant environmental and social costs. It therefore recommends the adoption of more sustainable and inclusive development strategies, improved compensation mechanisms, and stronger regulatory frameworks to balance corporate interests with community welfare.

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally due to its high compressive strength, durability, and versatility. However, its inherent low tensile strength and brittle nature limit its performance under tensile and dynamic loading conditions. To overcome these limitations, fibre reinforcement has emerged as an effective technique for enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. This study examines the behaviour and performance of fibre-reinforced concrete, with particular emphasis on steel and synthetic fibres, which are among the most commonly used fibre types in modern construction. The study reviews the influence of fibre content, orientation, aspect ratio, and type on the mechanical properties of concrete, including strength, toughness, ductility, crack resistance, and residual load-bearing capacity. Findings indicate that the incorporation of fibres transforms concrete from a brittle material into a more ductile composite, thereby improving its structural performance and durability. Furthermore, the study highlights the growing application of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials as alternatives to conventional steel reinforcement due to their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and enhanced toughness. The research concludes that fibre reinforcement significantly improves the overall performance of concrete and offers a promising solution for achieving more durable and resilient structures. It recommends further experimental investigations into the combined effects of different fibre types and mix designs to optimize the performance of fibre-reinforced concrete in various engineering applications.