This study examines the challenges of implementing Biology curriculum in senior secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State. The purpose of the study is to determine the challenges faced by both students and teachers during the implementation of the Biology curriculum and to ascertain the impact on students’performance academically. A descriptive survey design was adopted for this study, the sample of the study study comprised of 40 teachers from selected senior secondary schools, data was elicited from the respondents using a questionnaire which was validated and proven to be reliable. The data retrieved from the respondents were analysed and the findings of the study revealed that teachers face many challenges during the implementation of the Biology curriculum and such challenges impact their ability to adequately carry out their duties thereby affecting the performance of students in Biology, some of the challenges revealed includes,poor teacher training, insufficient teaching aids and resources, inadequate teaching methods and overcrowded Biology classrooms and these challenges were proven to negatively impact students’ performance in Biology. The study concluded that several challenges hinder the Implementation of the Biology curriculum in senior secondary schools and these challenges has been proven to negatively impact students’academic performance, it is recommended that more funds should be allocated to the educational sector in order to boost the adequacy of the Biology laboratory and curriculum developers should review the Biology curriculum and lessen it's breadth and width and policy makers should increase the amount of time allocated to Biology practicals and lessons and ensure that such laws are being obeyed. School administrators should also ensure that the approved ratio of students to teachers are enforced in classrooms.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a widely utilized medicinal herb recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective phytochemicals; however, its renal safety profile under normal physiological conditions remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on kidney function parameters in healthy female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6 per group): a control group receiving distilled water and four test groups administered 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Basil extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum samples were analyzed for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and markers of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) using standard biochemical protocols. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups for all evaluated parameters, though mild dose-dependent fluctuations were observed, all remaining within normal physiological ranges. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations exhibited no notable disturbances, indicating maintained electrolyte and acid-base balance, while urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels remained stable, suggesting preserved glomerular filtration and tubular function. These findings suggest that sub- chronic administration of ethanolic Sweet Basil leaf extract at doses up to 1500 mg/kg does not adversely affect renal biochemical indices in normal female Wistar rats, demonstrating its relative safety under non-pathological conditions. It is concluded that Ocimum basilicum is safe within the tested dosage and duration; however, further research incorporating histopathological assessment, molecular markers of renal function, longer durations of administration, and diseased models is recommended to fully validate its renal safety and therapeutic potential.

The study examines the impact of teaching practice on the productivity of teachers in public secondary schools in Egor local government area of Edo state. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and examined. The sample size for the study was made up of 65 public secondary teachers in Egor local government. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. An analysis of data was done using mean and standard deviation. From the finding, it unveiled that teachers encounter a plethora of challenges in implementing effective teaching practices, such challenges include lack of resources, insufficient support from school administrators, large class sizes, students’ varying learning styles and abilities, and students’ limited access to technology or resources outside of the classroom. The study recommended that Schools should ensure they cope with the changing technological environment and organizational climate by designing proper and functional in-service training and staff development programmes for their teachers to boost their morale, enhance their productivity and ensure that workers' training is conducted frequently in schools.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the second leading cause of death and disability worldwide, resulting in frequent motor impairment that affects patients‘ independence and quality of life. Method: This study employed a retrospective study design, examining existing data from case notes and medical records. Data were collected from hospital physiotherapy records of stroke survivors managed between 2018 and 2024. Information collected include demographics, stroke type, pre and post treatment scores using the NIHSS and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA). Data analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS version 26 using descriptive and Chi-square statistics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Result: The study of 82 stroke survivors demonstrated that physiotherapy intervention led to statistically significant improvements (p < 0.001) in motor function. Post-treatment results showed marked increases in upper and lower limb muscle strength, with the proportion of patients rated as having "good" coordination rising from 39.0% to 64.6%, balance from 35.4% to 67.1%, and range of motion from 18.3% to 62.2%. Conclusion: Comprehensive physiotherapy is highly effective in promoting motor recovery after stroke. A multifaceted rehabilitation approach, rather than reliance on a single technique, is recommended to maximize patient outcomes in strength, balance, and coordination. Keyword: Physiotherapy intervention, motor recovery, stroke. UBTH

Background: Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain (HSP) is a prevalent and disabling complication for stroke survivors, significantly hindering rehabilitation efforts and diminishing their quality of life. While conventional therapies exist, their efficacy is often limited, highlighting the need for safer and more effective non-invasive interventions. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has shown potential for pain management due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Aim: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT in reducing hemiplegic shoulder pain among stroke survivors in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Methods: This study employed a randomized controlled trial design involving 42 participants with post-stroke HSP (24 males, 18 females). Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n=21), which received LLLT combined with conventional physiotherapy, or a control group (n=21), which received conventional physiotherapy alone. The intervention period lasted for six weeks. The primary outcome measure, pain intensity, was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after the treatment period. Results: The experimental group experienced a statistically significant reduction in pain scores following the intervention (p < 0.001). Conversely, the control group did not show any significant change in pain levels (p = 0.366). The between-group analysis confirmed that the pain reduction in the LLLT group was significantly greater than that in the control group (p < 0.001), demonstrating the superior effect of the adjunctive LLLT treatment. Conclusion: LLLT, when used as an adjunct to conventional physiotherapy, is an effective intervention for managing hemiplegic shoulder pain in stroke survivors. The findings provide evidence for incorporating LLLT into standard rehabilitation protocols as a non-invasive modality to enhance pain relief, potentially facilitating greater participation in therapeutic exercises and supporting overall functional recovery.

According to Black’s Law Dictionary, police brutality refers to the use of excessive
and/or unnecessary force by the police in dealing with civilians.1 This misconduct may
take different forms, including physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other
abuses of power. The term is often used broadly to describe a range of human rights
violations such as beatings, racial abuse, unlawful killings, torture, and the
indiscriminate use of riot-control measures against peaceful protesters.2
In Nigeria, police brutality has become one of the most pressing human rights concerns.
Instances of extrajudicial killings, torture, unlawful detention, and harassment are
widespread, despite the existence of constitutional guarantees and legal frameworks
regulating police conduct. The victims are often ordinary citizens, particularly young
people, who lack the resources to seek redress.
Globally, police violence is not unique to Nigeria. In the United States, for example, The
Washington Post database records that 892 people were shot and killed by the police in
2016, though this figure had to be compiled from media reports, public records, and
social media posts due to weak official recordkeeping.3 Such gaps in transparency are
themselves a form of injustice. High-profile cases such as the killing of George Floyd in
May 2020 by Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin sparked international outrage and
mass protests against police brutality.

Stress is an inevitable part of modern life and a major psychological burden, especially for professionals working in high-demand environments such as radiology department. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological stress levels and coping mechanisms among radiographers working in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A descriptive cross sectional survey was adopted for all 31 radiographers available at the hospital at the point of data collection the results indicated that radiographers at UBTH predominantly experienced mild to moderate psychological stress, with task-related pressure showing a notable mean score of 3.58 on the PSS. Statistical testing revealed no meaningful gender influence on stress levels (χ² = 0.49, p = 0.48), indicating that both males and females were similarly affected. The most intense stress triggers were linked to equipment failure (mean = 3.71) and heavy workload (mean = 3.58), alongside persistent time pressure (mean = 3.42). In response, many radiographers relied on proactive coping most notably taking action to solve their problems (mean = 3.06) while avoidance and substance-based strategies remained minimal (means ≤ 1.45). The study concluded that radiographers in UBTH experience noticeable levels of psychological stress, with most respondents falling within the mild-to-moderate range. The findings suggest that radiographers are striving to remain resilient, but systemic improvements are needed to reduce workplace stress and protect their long-term mental well-being.

This study examined rural development as a means of combating rural–urban migration in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The increasing movement of people from rural communities to urban centers has become a major socio-economic challenge, resulting in population pressure in cities and underdevelopment in rural areas. The study aimed to investigate the causes of rural–urban migration, assess the level of rural development in the study area, and evaluate how the provision of basic amenities and economic opportunities can reduce migration tendencies among rural residents.
The study adopted a survey research design. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and relevant secondary sources from respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. The findings revealed that inadequate infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, poor healthcare services, insufficient educational facilities, and low agricultural productivity are major factors driving rural inhabitants to migrate to urban centers. The study further found that effective rural development initiatives, including the provision of roads, electricity, potable water, healthcare facilities, quality education, and agricultural support programs, can significantly improve living standards and discourage excessive migration.
The study concluded that sustainable rural development remains a viable strategy for reducing rural–urban migration and promoting balanced national development. It recommended increased government investment in rural infrastructure, empowerment of rural farmers and entrepreneurs, improved access to social services, and active community participation in development planning and implementation. These measures would enhance rural livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region.

Humans are fickle and their actions even more wobbling by the transient nature of the world. Ergo, their acts are regulated by laws, short of these laws, their acts become an abnormality to society- crimes! And in the world of criminal law culpability and compassion must intersect for justice to be done as well as seen done. Accordingly, this research rigorously examines the intertwined doctrines of excuse and justification as defences within Nigerian criminal law, illuminating their pivotal role in balancing societal order with individual autonomy. Framed within the complexities of Nigeria’s plural legal system, The Architecture of Excuse and Justification explores how the law, stern yet humane, negotiates the delicate equilibrium between societal order and individual autonomy. A novel inquiry in the Nigerian Criminal law sphere! Justification, on the one hand as examined, sanctifies conduct deemed necessary or right in its circumstances albeit in self-defence, defence of property or lawful correction, each showing the law’s pragmatic embrace of moral duty and public good. Excuse, on the other hand, humbles the majesty of law before the frailty of the human spirit, excusing acts wrought by insanity, provocation, duress, or honest mistake, where culpability wanes though wrong remains. This work is pivotal as it exposes doctrinal ambiguities, statutory inconsistencies, and judicial challenges in clearly delineating these defences, further complicated by cultural, religious, and pluralistic influences that shape application and interpretation. Drawing on comparative perspectives from multiple jurisprudence, the study posits that Nigeria’s criminal law must evolve through comprehensive codification, enhanced judicial training, and institutional support. It reaffirms the law’s highest calling to punish with justice, to excuse with reason, and to justify with conscience. Ultimately, this work contends that the vitality of criminal law depends not only on punishing the guilty but on understanding why and when it must refrain

This study explores the pervasive themes of corruption and oil exploitation in the Niger Delta as depicted in Helon Habila’s Oil on Water and Ruky Divine Ogede’s Festering Wounds.Through a literary ecocritical lens the research examines how both authors portray the environmental degradation,human suffering and systemic corruption that plague oil-rich communities.The texts reveal the complicity of government officials,multinational corporations, and militant groups in perpetuating sociopolitical instability and environmental injustice. Characters in both novels are usedas symbols of resistance, victimhood, andsurvival, highlighting the multifaceted consequences of oil wealth mismanagement. The study also identifies the silencing of whistleblowers and community voices as a critical element in sustaining corrupt systems. By comparing these two literary works, the research underscores the urgency for accountability, environmental justice, and ethical governance in resource management in the Niger Delta.