This fieldwork exercise was carried out in Igarra within the Nigerian Basement Complex terrain to provide practical training in geological mapping, rock identification, structural analysis, and field observation techniques. The exercise involved detailed study of various rock units, their mineralogical composition, textures, structures, modes of occurrence, and geological relationships. Rock types identified during the exercise include quartzite, schist, metaconglomerate, granite, pegmatite, aplite, hornfels, sandstone, shale, mudstone, claystone, siltstone, and fault breccia. Structural features such as foliations, folds, fractures, joints, shear zones, and intrusive contacts were also observed and interpreted. Evidence of regional metamorphism, contact metamorphism, brittle deformation, and igneous intrusion associated with the Pan-African Orogeny was recognized within the study area.The field exercise was supervised by lecturers from the Department of Geology, who guided students in structural measurements, rock description, geological interpretation, sedimentary logging, and geological mapping techniques. The exercise enhanced practical understanding of the geology, hydrogeology, engineering significance, and economic importance of rocks within the Nigerian Basement Complex

This study empirically examines the nexus between intra-trade and economic growth in thirteen ECOWAS countries. ECOWAS was formed to promote Trade liberalization scheme (ETLS) ECOWAS Common External Tariffs (CET) to eliminate trade barriers, encourage free flow of goods and services, simplify customs procedures and harmonized tariffs on goods imported from non ECOWAS countries. This has not improved the economy of the sub-region. Employing copious sequential econometric tools of descriptive statistics, correlation analysis as well as the causality analysis, the panel unit root, co-integration test and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method for the period 1990 – 2023. The empirical finding for the correlation analysis revealed a negative relationship between economic growth (GDP per capita growth rate) and intra-regional trade. The correlation between human capital development (HCD) and economic growth is positive. The result between trade openness (TO) and economic growth is positive. The correlation coefficients among the explanatory variables are weak which implies that there is no multi-collinearity among the explanatory variables. For the granger causality test using the pair-wise Dumitrescue- Hurlin tests revealed that there is no causality between economic growth (GDP per capita growth) and intra-regional trade with causality running from either economic growth or intra-regional trade share to each other. However, the test showed that human capital development (HCD) causes economic growth (GDP per capita growth rate) implying that causality runs from human capital development to economic growth in the ECOWAS sub- region. For the panel cointegration tests (the Pedroni, Kao, and Johansen Firsher) revealed that there is a long run relationship among the study variables. Also, for the fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS) method, the signs of all the estimated coefficients of the explanatory variable in the model conformed to their a priori expectations except intra- regional trade share and credit to the private sector as a share of GDP. The coefficient of intra-regional trade share is negative but insignificant implying that intra-regional trade does not have a significant effect on economic growth (GDP per capita growth rate) in ECOWAS sub-region. The coefficient of human capital development is positive and significant at 5 percent level, implying that it has a significant impact on economic growth in ECOWAS sub-region. The coefficient of trade openness is positive but fails the significant test at the 5 percent level of significant. Against the backdrop of these empirical findings, we recommend amongst other; ECOWAS should intensify efforts to fully implement the ECOWAS Common External Tariff and eliminate policy induced and non tariff barriers such as inconsistent customs procedures, excessive checkpoints, and unofficial fees that hinder the free movement of persons, goods and services to boost intra-regional trade in order to enhance rapid and sustained economic growth within the ECOWAS sub-region.

This study investigated the effects of teachers’ professionalism on academic
performance in English Language among senior secondary school students in Oredo Local
Government Area of Edo State. It specifically examined how teachers’ professional
competence, instructional skills, and ethical standards influenced students’ writing skills,
reading comprehension, and oral communication. The study adopted a descriptive survey
research design involving a population of 2,157 participants, comprising English Language
teachers and students across fourteen (14) public senior secondary schools in Oredo Local
Government Area. A sample of 150 respondents, consisting of 50 teachers and 100 students
were randomly selected to ensure fair representation. Data were collected using a validated
questionnaire and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, percentages, and
frequency distribution.
The findings revealed that teachers’ professionalism had a significant effect on
students’ academic performance in English Language. Teachers who demonstrated strong
professional ethics, effective instructional techniques, and active engagement in
professional development produced students with improved writing abilities, better reading
comprehension, and enhanced oral communication skills. The study also found that
teachers’ mastery of subject matter, regular class attendance, and commitment to continuous
improvement contributed to higher student achievement and a more positive classroom
environment. Furthermore, professional teachers were more likely to employ studentcentered approaches that promoted participation, feedback, and interaction, which in turn
improved learning outcomes.
Based on these findings, the study recommended that teachers were encouraged to
engage in regular professional development programs to enhance their teaching methods
and language competence. School administrators were to consistently monitor and
encourage teachers to uphold professional standards and discipline within the learning
environment. Education policymakers should organize workshops and training sessions
aimed at improving teachers’ pedagogical skills and professional ethics. Additionally,
teacher training institutions are to incorporate more practical and ethical components in their
programs to strengthen professionalism among prospective teachers. Lastly, parents and
guardians were encouraged support students’ involvement in English Language activities
such as debates and public speaking to reinforce classroom learning and promote
communication confidence.

This study evaluated the effect of methanol leaf extract of Anthocleista grandiflora on lipid profile parameters in Wistar rats following 28 days of sub-chronic oral administration. The plant commonly known as the “Giant African Cabbage Tree,” has long been used in traditional medicine for managing fever, jaundice, and metabolic disorders. Despite its wide ethnomedicinal use, scientific validation of its lipid-modulating potential remains limited. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of five animals each. The control group received distilled water, while the experimental groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg of methanol leaf extract daily for 28 days. Serum samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) using standard spectrophotometric methods. The results showed no statistically significant (p > 0.05) differences between treated and control groups for all lipid parameters. Mean cholesterol values ranged from 78.00 ± 3.07 to 85.60 ± 3.28 mg/dL, triglycerides from 77.60 ± 4.52 to 90.00 ± 8.83 mg/dL, HDL from 24.20 ± 0.97 to 27.60 ± 1.36 mg/dL, and LDL from 34.20 ± 4.98 to 43.60 ± 3.85 mg/dL. The slight elevation in HDL with a concurrent reduction in LDL at higher doses indicates a potential cardioprotective and hypolipidaemic effect of the extract. These findings suggest that A. grandiflora did not disrupt lipid metabolism but may support lipid balance through its antioxidant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics. Overall, the methanol leaf extract of A. grandiflora demonstrated safety and mild lipid-regulating potential during sub-chronic exposure, validating its traditional use in promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health

This study looks at how AI-powered chatbots affect student academic performance. It focuses on how these systems impact learning efficiency, engagement, and overall outcomes. As artificial intelligence becomes more common in education, chatbots are increasingly used as virtual learning assistants. They provide instant feedback, personalized study support, and interactive experiences. The research uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate students’ perceptions, usage patterns, and performance data before and after interacting with chatbots. The findings show that AI chatbots significantly improve students’ understanding of course materials, encourage self-paced learning, and increase access to academic resources. However, the study also points out challenges, such as students becoming too reliant on automated responses and limited development of critical thinking skills. In conclusion, the research emphasizes that while AI-powered chatbots can be effective educational tools, their benefits are greatest when combined with traditional teaching methods and guided human interaction.

In pre-colonial times the Africa traditional society could be said anchored on the facts that institutional beliefs social orders norms and several practices which are of truth must of necessity be given foundational rites of passage. It can be in form of dance music folklore or drama etc. most often the interpretation are engaged to demonstrate and highlight social demeanor and decorum as it is mirrored in the thought and beliefs of a cherished culture of the people

The study examined effect of ethical practices on the financial reporting of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study employed the survey design and the purposive sampling technique to select 450 banks staffs. A well-constructed questionnaire, which was adjudged valid and reliable, was used for collection of data from the respondents. The data obtained through the administration of the questionnaires was analyzed using the Pearson correlation analysis. The study revealed that; there is positive and significant relationship between loyalty has significant effect on the financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between law abiding and financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between fairness and financial reporting. A positive and significant relationship exists between accountability and honesty and financial reporting. And lastly, A positive and significant relationship exists between integrity and reputation and financial reporting. The study concluded that; ethical practices has significant effect on the financial reporting of deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study further recommends that; Nigeria banks should work more on their integrity and reputation on the financial reporting. Accountability and honesty should be taking serious by Nigeria banks. Nigeria banks should fair in all their dealings because these will reflect on the financial reporting. Nigeria banks should be law abiding on their financial reporting to avoid suspension, penalties and fine against them, to customers.

The creation of sustainable substitutes like biodiesel is required due to the growing demand for energy worldwide and the harm that fossil fuels cause to the environment. This study aims to evaluate the catalytic efficiency of a novel cow horn-based heterogeneous catalyst in the optimization of biodiesel yield from waste cooking oil using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The cow horn waste was processed into powder and calcined at 900°C for five hours to produce the bio-catalyst.A Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to statistically optimize the production of biodiesel in a batch reactor. Thirty experimental runs that assessed four independent variables catalyst load (1.0–10.0 wt%), reaction time (30–150 min), reaction temperature (40–80°C), and a methanol-to-oil ratio (4:1 to 10:1) formed the basis of the optimization. The RSM model was statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and predicted a maximum biodiesel yield of 92.73% at the optimal conditions of 60°C, a 90-minute reaction time, a 5.5 wt% catalyst load, and a 7:1 methanol-to-oil ratio. However, the practical experiments failed to achieve this predicted yield. The primary constraint identified was the high Free Fatty Acid (FFA) content of the waste cooking oil, measured at 7.57%. It was concluded that while the cow horn-derived catalyst is a promising sustainable resource, it is not viable for the single-step transesterification of high-FFA waste cooking oil. The findings suggest that a prior acid-catalyzed esterification pre-treatment step is mandatory to reduce FFA levels before the cow horn-based catalyst can effectively facilitate the conversion process.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) present a major threat to patient safety, treatment outcomes, and healthcare sustainability globally, with a disproportionately higher burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite the critical role of tertiary health centres in specialized care, comprehensive data establishing both the precise prevalence of HAIs and the institutional capacity of reporting mechanisms remain scarce in many regional facilities. This study was conducted to investigate the epidemiological burden of HAIs and evaluate the existing surveillance reporting structures at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Nigeria.
Methods: A sequential mixed-methods cross-sectional design was deployed across diverse clinical wards at UBTH. For the quantitative phase, a sample size of 429 in-patients was selected utilizing a multi-stage sampling approach incorporating proportional allocation and simple random sampling. Data were gathered via researcher-administered structured questionnaires, clinical records, and laboratory reviews. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to isolate independent predictors. For the qualitative phase, purposive sampling was used to conduct seven (7) Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with clinical consultants, nursing leadership, and infection control officers. Qualitative data were processed using thematic analysis via NVivo software.
Results: The quantitative survey achieved a 100% response rate across the 429 participants. The confirmed point prevalence of HAIs was 5.8% (n = 25), with an additional 0.2% (n = 1) categorized as suspected cases, while 93.9% (n = 403) showed no evidence of infection. Among the 25 confirmed cases, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) were the most frequent clinical presentation at 48.0% (n = 12), followed by surgical site infections (SSIs) at 16.0% (n = 4), hospital-acquired pneumonia at 12.0% (n = 3), non-catheter- associated UTIs at 12.0% (n = 3), puerperal sepsis at 8.0% (n = 2), and burn area infections at 4.0% (n = 1). Multivariable binary logistic regression revealed that the lengths of hospital stay (OR = 1.067, 95% CI: 1.033–1.102, p < 0.001) and active urethral catheterization (OR = 6.233, 95% CI: 2.316–16.772, p < 0.001) were the only statistically significant independent predictors of acquiring an infection. Socio-demographic factors (such as age and sex) and chronic client comorbidities showed no significant independent associations (p > 0.05). Qualitatively, key informants highlighted a critical operational deficit: a formalized, hospital- wide infection reporting protocol for frontline clinicians is practically absent. Surveillance remains an entirely manual, paper-based tracking process conducted independently by an under-resourced Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) unit due to a complete lack of digital infrastructure, technical training, and routine departmental feedback loops. Despite these barriers, there was universal consensus on the institutional value of a centralized reporting framework for establishing data-driven benchmarks and enhancing active antimicrobial stewardship.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that while the recorded point prevalence of HAIs at UBTH is relatively modest, it is significantly and independently driven by modifiable hospital-level exposures—specifically device utilization and prolonged admission windows—rather than immutable patient comorbidities. Crucially, the integrity of this epidemiological data is actively limited by a fragmented, manual reporting apparatus. To mitigate this burden and ensure patient safety, UBTH must transition away from paper-reliant tracking toward an integrated, hospital-wide electronic surveillance architecture alongside mandatory clinical care bundles and structured departmental data feedback loops

This study assessed the knowledge of climate change and environmental preservation among secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study was necessitated by the growing environmental challenges associated with climate change and the need to assess students’ level of awareness, practices, and attitudes toward environmental sustainability. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 8,000 secondary school students in Oredo Local Government Area, as obtained from the Edo State Ministry of Education (2024). A sample size of 200 students was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique involving stratification and simple random sampling procedures. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire containing 30 items. The instrument was validated by the researcher and two others from the Department of Health Safety and Environmental Education. Data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of secondary school students possessed a high level of knowledge of climate change and environmental preservation. The study also showed that students engaged in some environmental preservation practices such as proper waste disposal, reduction in the use of plastics, and participation in environmental conservation activities. In addition, the results indicated that most students demonstrated positive attitudes toward environmental protection, including a willingness to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors.The findings concluded that although students have good knowledge and positive attitudes toward climate change and environmental preservation, there is still a need to strengthen practical engagement in environmental activities. The study recommended that environmental education should be intensified in schools, awareness programs should be regularly organized, and students should be encouraged to actively participate in environmental conservation practices.