ONE POT CONVERSION OF HIGH FREE FATTY ACID WASTE COOKING OIL USING A BIFUNCTIONAL CATALYST DERIVED FROM PIG BONES AND PUMPKIN STALKS: OPTIMIZATION VIA TAGUCHI APPROACH

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Fatty acid alkyl esters are produced by subjecting vegetable or animal fats to a transesterification process with a low molecular weight alcohol, using a suitable catalyst. This process creates biodiesel, often referred to as 'green fuel', due to its numerous advantages such as biodegradability, renewability, reduced toxicity, higher cetane number, and flash point. Consequently, biodiesel has gained recognition as a potential substitute for conventional petroleum-based diesel (Baig and Ng 2010). In the majority of current biodiesel production methods, which employ homogeneous catalysis, refined vegetable oils serve as the primary raw materials. However, these refined oils come at a considerable expense. The cost of these feedstocks significantly affects the economic aspects of biodiesel production, as highlighted in a review conducted by Marchetti and Gebremariam, (Akhabue et al. 2020) discovered that the economics of biodiesel production are notably affected by the expense of feedstocks. Studies have indicated that the expenditure on raw materials for biodiesel production may make up as much as 88% of the total production expenses. Therefore, a substantial rduction in the production cost of biodiesel can be achieved through the utilization of non-edible oils or waste cooking oil (Haas et al. 2016). The elevated levels of free fatty acids (FFA) in waste cooking oil and various non-edible oils lead to saponification by the alkali catalyst, resulting in a r duced biodiesel yield due to the challenge of separating the product. Moreover, the purification process generates waste water, causing environmental pollution concerns, which require the treatment of waste water before disposal or reuse (Daud et al. 2015). This, in turn, adds to the cost of biodiesel production
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The Significance of Ideational, Interpersonal and Textual metafunction in Selected Songs of Fela Kuti.

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Through Ideation, interpersonal and textual meta-funtion, we have been able to write on the importance and significance of Fela Kuti’s song making use of Micheal Halliday’s systemic functional linguistic because it makes use of language in analysing the text. This theory views language as a network of interconnected systems and meaningful alternatives , options or choicesfor creating meaning. Fela through his songs speak against corruption, nepotism and favouritism. He exposed a lot of wrong done in the society through his music and speaks to the consciousness of the poor masses. He sensitize them abou the danger of not waking up and accepting reality and fighting for their freedom as these government is not ready to save the masses rather, the government is stealing from them big time.
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PERCEPTION OF STUDENTS TOWARDS THE COVID -19 VACCINE: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

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This research work was conducted to find out about the security implications of election rigging in developing countries, using Nigeria as a case study. Specifically, the study was concerned with analyzing the negative effects and implications of election rigging in relationship to the security and economy of developing countries most especially Nigeria. To achieve this, a field survey of selected respondents in Nigeria was carried out, involving 20 participants. Some of the findings from the" survey were that there is a high level of Election rigging in the country thereby resulting to political instability, violence and destruction of lives and properties. Another finding from the survey was that, there's a very low level of acceptance of Election results amongst the masses as a result of distrust and massive rigging during polls.
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A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL IN THE MAINTENANCE OF GLOBAL PEACE: A CASE STUDY OF THE CONGO CRISIS 1960-1965

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The United Nations was established after the second world war with the aim of preventing future wars succeeding the effective League of Nations. Established in 1945, it was aimed at maintaining international peace and security, displaying friendly relations among nations. The United Nations have several organs. One principle organ is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) which this work focuses on. The United Nations Security Council is charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security among nations. In order to ensure effective actions by the United Nations, its members confer on the Security Council the primary function of maintaining international peace. The UNSC has the power to make decisions
which member states must carry out under Article 25 of the UN Charter which reads that “the members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the United Nations Security Council, in accordance with the present charter”.
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THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF UDU 1999 - 2019

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The relevance of women as positive contributors to the development of society has long been acknowledged. Over the last centuries, the contribution of women to economic and political development of society has been recognized in both academic and policy cycles. This growing recognition reflects the active participation of women in various aspects of growth and development of society both through formal and informal production in recent times 1 . In pre-colonial times, women were a decisive factor in the development of society in general. They were an integral part of society or ethnic groups they belonged to. This period before the colonial rule characterized by a series of economic activities which included trade and commerce, agriculture, bead making and craft work. The Women were totally involved in the support and service of their citizens at that time and by so doing contributed immensely to the general development of the entire community or ethnic group at large 2 . However, it can be argued that the involvement of women in the pre-colonial times actually accelerated the pace at which societies developed considering the fact that most African societies had little or no place at all in the decision making body for women as compared to their male counter parts.3 It is against this back drop that this inquiry intends to look into Udu women role in modern time, 1999-2019. Women were very instrumental in the formation and evolution of African states and societies. Although no detailed attention has been given to the specific role they played in the reconstruction of African states and societies 4 , this study however is meant to reaffirm the place of women in the history of the reconstruction of African society, politically, economically, culturally and other wise, using Udu as a case study. Udu is a community in Delta State, it is headquarters of Udu local Government Area
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APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM IN ONITSHA (1970-2010)

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The apprenticeship system in Igbo land is a unique and ancient system of education and socialization, which has been in existence for centuries. The system, which is known as "Otu ndi Igbo" in the Igbo language, has played a vital role in the social, economic, and cultural development of the Igbo people. This paper will focus on the history of the apprenticeship system in Igbo land, with a case study of Onitsha between 1970 and 2010.1 The Igbo people are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, with a population of about 40 million people. They are known for their entrepreneurial spirit and their strong sense of community. The apprenticeship system is a traditional way of learning and practising a trade or craft, and it is an integral part of Igbo culture. The system involves a young person (usually a male) being taken under the wing of an experienced artisan or businessman, known as the "master," for a period of training and practical work. The apprentice lives with the master and learns the trade or craft through observation, practice, and guidance
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INHIBITORY EFFECT OF ACETONE FRACTION OF Lonchocarpus cyanescens ON ALPHA AMYLASE AND ALPHA GLUCOSIDASE

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Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels. Inhibiting enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase is a key strategy to control hyperglycemia. Lonchocarpus cyanescens is a medicinal plant with potential antidiabetic properties that warrants scientific evaluation. The major aim of this research is to ascertain and provide scientific information on the antidiabetic properties of Lonchocarpus cyanescens utilizing alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay All materials used were of high quality which includes alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase, distilled water, ethanol, acetone, hexane. Methodology involves detrmining the antidiabetic properties of the plant extract utilizing alpha amylase and alpha glucosidase inhibitory assay. The potential for Lonchocarpus cyanescens extract to reduce hyperglycemia and perform antidiabetic functions was determined. Alpha-amylase inhibition activity of each fraction was determined by the method of Worthington 1993. An aliquot of 500 microliter of the extract (0.1–0.4 mg/ml) and 500 microliters (0.02M) of sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9 with 0.006M NaCl) containing 0.5 mg/ml of alpha-amylase will be mixed together and incubated for 10 min at room temperature.Afterwards, 500 microliters of 1% starch solution prepared with 0.02M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.9 with 0.006M NaCl) will be added and incubated in a water bath at 25°C for 10 minutes.The reaction mixture will be stopped by adding 1.0 ml (96 mM) of Dinitro salicylic acid.The mixtures in the test tubes will be incubated in boiling water in a water bath for 5 minutes and then cooled for alpha amylase. Then for alpha glucosidase Alpha-glucosidase activity of each fraction will be determined by the method of Apostolidis et al., 2007.The substrate solution, p-nitrophenyl- glucopyranoside (pNPG), was prepared in 0.02M phosphate buffer, pH 6.9. 1000 microliter of alpha-glucosidase was incubated with 500 microliters of different concentrations of the extract for 10 minutes at 25°C. An aliquot (500 microliter) of freshly prepared phosphate-buffered p- nitrophenyl-glucopyranoside (5 mM) solution will be added. The reaction mixture will be incubated at 25°C for 5 minutes and stopped by adding 2 ml of 0.1 Na₂CO₃. The alpha- glucosidase activity was determined by measuring the absorbance at 405 nm using a spectrophotometer. Absorbance reading assay was carried out and statistical analysis was also carried out to checkn for satistical significance. A p-value for alph amylase was found out to be [ p=0.0321] and for alpha glucosidase the p –value was recorded to be [p=0.0002] in this assay. In conclusion, Lonchocarpus cyanscens possess antidiabetic properties and can serve for several medical purposes.
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IMPACT OF INADEQUATE LABORATORY FACILITIES ON THE EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF CHEMISTRY EDUCATION AMONG UNIVERSITY OF BENIN UNDERGRADUATES

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This study investigates the impact of inadequate laboratory facilities on the effective teaching of Chemistry education among undergraduates at the University of Benin. Employing a descriptive survey research design, the study focuses on four key dimensions of laboratory inadequacy: lack of functional equipment, shortage of laboratory materials and chemicals, poor laboratory infrastructure, and untrained laboratory personnel. The population comprised 79 chemistry education students from 300 and 400 levels, with data collected through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that deficiencies in these areas significantly hinder practical learning, reduce students' mastery of scientific concepts, and negatively affect their overall performance in Chemistry. The study underscores the need for strategic investments in laboratory infrastructure, procurement of materials, and training of technical staff to enhance the quality of Chemistry education. Recommendations include increased funding, regular supply of laboratory resources, infrastructure upgrades, and professional development for laboratory personnel to create a conducive environment for effective teaching and learning
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THE INFLUENCE OF ACADEMIC RELATED SUBSTANCE USE ON STUDENT PERFORMANCE: PERCEPT IONS AND IMPLICATIONS

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Background: Substance use among university students has become a growing concern, particularly when such use is linked to academic pursuits. This study examines the influence of academic-related substance use on student performance, perceptions, and implications, focusing on undergraduate students in the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin. Academic-related substance use refers to the consumption of stimulants, energy drinks, prescription medications or other psychoactive substances with the intention of improving concentration, alertness or academic productivity. Objectives: The study investigates the prevalence of these substances, student’s motivations for use, perceived academic benefits and the actual academic and health consequences associated with their consumption. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect quantitative data from a representative sample of students (200 - 600 level). The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Among respondents, majority of the respondents (190; 66.0%) reported using substances such as caffeine, prescription stimulants or energy drinks. Among the substances used, caffeine in the form of coffee and energy drinks was the most commonly consumed (159; 55.2%). (107; 37.2%) strongly disagreed that academic pressure encourages substance use. (138; 47.9%) stated that substance use had no impact on their academic performance. The chi-square analysis indicated no statistically significant association between ADHD diagnosis and academic motivation (χ² = 6.252, p = 0.619). Conclusion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of stimulant and caffeine use, primarily driven by academic pressure, accessibility and the perceived need to enhance alertness or concentration
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NIGERIA IN MULTINATIONAL INTERNATIONAL PEACE KEEPING OPERATION SINCE 1960

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Undoubtedly, if the idea and practice of searching for peace is as old as then it follows that the history of wars and conflicts, which are its harbingers, is older. The recurrence and re-escalation of conflicts in various parts of the world, most especially in the developing states, has indeed made the word ‘sustainable peace’ an illusion. A lot can be said on the havoc wrecked by conflicts on the people and the devastating effects on the natural environment.1 Regrettably, all efforts made to put an end to conflict around the globe yield little or no significant results since war is a learning behavior and the proclivity of it has remained undefeatable. Put simply, the past and recent events around the world reveal that ethno-religious conflict, resources struggle, ideology and mistrust as ever before, still very much predominate in the contemporary world and therefore called for the need for peacekeeping forces by willing states under the auspice of regional and international organization, that is in a multilateral format.There is hardly any doubt that the United Nations Security Council remains the world’s principal body vested with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security but rely on the willing cooperation of States and contribution of their armed force to serve as a third party between two warring parties. Peacekeeping operation began with the United Nations.
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