An automated lawn mower is a machine designed to cut grass without requiring human guidance or control. With the continuous advancements in technology, automation has become integral to nearly every aspect of modern life. From household appliances to industrial machinery, automation has transformed the way we interact with our environments, reducing manual labour and improving overall efficiency. The emergence of automated lawn mowers follows this trend, replacing the conventional lawn mowing technology that demands significant human effort. This work aims to develop an improved automated lawn mower that
is both economically accessible and user-friendly, designed with locally sourced materials to minimize production costs. Unlike the existing robotic lawn mowers technologies, our model emphasizes a simple design making it easy to maintain and repair without specialized tools or skills. It is equipped with advanced sensor technology like the HC-SR04 ultrasonic and infrared sensors for obstacle detection and avoidance within the ranges of 10 to 50cm. When operating at a distance beyond 50cm, the mower consistently moved forward indicating an environment with no obstacles. Within a range of 30 to 50cm, the system effectively slowed the mower, achieving a 150millisecond response time and 98% accuracy. At closer proximities of 10 to 30cm, the mower reversed and turned with a slightly reduced accuracy of 95% and a 180millisecond response time, while obstacles detected at less than 10cm prompted at immediate stop within 120milliseconds at a 97% accuracy rate. It also integrates a 5kHz electromagnetic perimeter wire for systematic navigation and is powered by an 18V DC rechargeable battery, making it both sustainable and eco-friendly.

Financial stress among undergraduate students in Nigerian higher institutions has
emerged as a significant barrier to academic success and overall well-being. This study
investigated the impact of financial stress on students' academic achievement at the
University of Benin using a descriptive survey design. The study population comprised
undergraduates from the University of Benin, with a sample size of 150 students, selected
through simple random sampling across five major faculties. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire titled "Financial Stress and
Students Academic Achievement" (FSASAA) consisting of 25 items. The instrument's
validity was established through content validation by experts, and its reliability was
determined using the test-retest method, achieving a Pearson Coefficient of 0.78. The findings revealed that financial stress significantly affected students' academic
performance, with a substantial proportion struggling to pay tuition fees, afford daily
needs, and access required educational resources. Factors contributing to financial
stress included budgeting challenges, the need to pay tuition fees independently, supporting family financially, and unexpected expenses. The study further highlighted the detrimental effects of financial stress, including
absenteeism, poor concentration, adverse mental and physical health impacts, and the
temptation to engage in examination malpractice. Potential solutions identified included
providing access to scholarships and financial aid, flexible tuition payment options, financial management workshops, and the availability of part-time jobs on campus. The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive interventions and support
systems to address financial stress among undergraduates, ensuring equitable access to
higher education and promoting academic success and overall well-being.

This study investigated the influence of family instability on the academic
performance of senior secondary school students in Benin metropolis. The researcher was
interested in finding out how family instability affect students academically in Benin
metropolis. To guide this study, four research questions were raised and examined. The design of the study was a survey research design. The population target
comprised of 200 students from Oredo, Egor, Ovia North East and Ikpoba-Okha Local
Government Areas in Benin Metropolis. The research instruments used in gathering data
was the questionnaire, which were administered to the students. An analysis of data was
done using simple percentage and frequency counts. The findings revealed most students who come from unstable families produce a
short term crises that affect their academic performances. Some challenges faced by
students who come from unstable families include physical stress, deteriorating of health, anxiety, social behavior, low self-esteem, change in sleeping patterns amongst students
from the four schools in the different local government areas in Benin metropolis. It is
therefore recommended that schools should ensure victims receive immediate support
such as counselling services and therapy sessions. Parents should also be involved in their
children academics and school should train teachers to detect when a child has a family
crises

The current study investigated the moderating role of student self-efficacy in the relationship between perceived social supports and student academic engagement among undergraduates.
The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised of 13,000 students from the faculty of education, in the eight (8) departments in Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The sample for the study consists of one hundred (100) students drawn from (5) departments in faculty of education, University of Benin. The simple random sampling technique was used in selecting the departments from the eight departments in faculty of education, University of Benin.
Multidimensional scale of perceived social support, Student self-efficacy scale and Utrecht work engagement scale for students were used as instruments for data collection. The Pearson correlation and moderation analyses were used to test the study hypotheses. The correlation coefficient (R= 0.853) indicates a strong positive relationship. Therefore, we conclude that there is a significant relationship between perceived social support, self-efficacy, and academic engagement among undergraduates in selected departments in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin.
The study suggests that University management should develop strategies towards ensuring that students are encouraged to engage in academic activities. Parents and guardians are encouraged to provide every social support necessary to improve the student’s academic engagement.

Anthill soils play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture practice as a source of locally available source of fertilizer which is essential in plant growth and development, and as such improve soil fertility. However, the pathogenicity of anthill soils have not been fully looked at. The aim of this study is to know the pathogenicity status of the antihill soil. Soil samples were collected from four different anthills from two locations (Institutional and residential areas in a sterile container) and their corresponding adjacent soils (control). The analysis carried out were bacterial count after aliquots of serially diluted soil were plated, cultural characteristics by culturing isolates, afterwards sub culturing. Colony count was done alongside phenotypic identification to know the (size, shape, elevation and margin). Morphological identification (Gram Staining) was done to differentiate, positive from negative. Biochemical and pathogenicity test were carried out using (protease and lipase) test. Bacteria such as E. coli, Bacillus sp, Pseudomonas sp, serratia sp, Enterobacter claocae, staphylococcus sp and Salmonella sp were found. It is therefore recommended that for effective utilization of anthill soils for agricultural crop production, further studies should be carried to better understand the premise that anthill soil maybe dangerous rather than beneficial in the long run

This study examined youth vulnerability and urban crimes in Benin City. The objectives of the study were to examine the impact of socio-economic background on youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; ascertain the impact of poverty rate on youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; investigate the impact of unemployment on youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; and examine the impact of education level on youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City. The study employed the field survey research design. The descriptive method described the demography of respondents using frequency and percentage. A step wise regression techniques were adopted for the study with the help of Chi-square statistical tool (X2). In all cases alpha (significance value) were set at 0.05, to test at the 5% level. The findings from the study revealed that there is no significant relationship between socio-economic
background and youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; there is no significant relationship between poverty rate and youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; there is no significant relationship between unemployment and youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City; and there is no significant relationship between education level and youths’ vulnerability to crime in Benin City. The study recommended that it is necessary for the government to create employment in order to reduce crime rate in the state, and Nigeria as a whole, it is important for the Nigerian government to look into the negative impact of poverty on youth vulnerability to crimes in Benin City, and Nigeria as a whole, and proffer possible solution to the issue of socio-economic marginalization, the Nigerian government should provide employment for the youths in order to discourage them from hostile habits and encourage them to be good citizens, it is important for the government to invest more on the education sector to improve efficiency; and role of the media in reporting violence is very crucial in curtailing the act of violence in Nigeria. The media shall transform crime and violence coverage to the plain of the authority. The media reporters shall engage in both mental and psychological re-conditioning. The reporter must critically re-examine the routine, conventional approach to coverage of crime and violence in favour of treating crime and violence stories as he will normally treat stories about an epidemic. In practical terms, demands that the reporter to include three classes of information in crime and violence stories (the perspectives or prevalence of the violence in Nigeria; the risk factors that expose people to victimization; and the cost of the violence in our midst). This is important since the media play roles in the structuring of perception of violence and conflict to community and authority by regular reflection on related incidences and suggesting way forward.

This study examines the impact of external debt on Nigeria economic performance using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag ( ADRL) approach. The analyses covers key macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, debt servicing, and external borrowing over a selected period of time. findings reveal that while external debt has the potential to support economic growth , excessive debt accumulation and high debt servicing costs have had a negative effect on Nigeria's economic performance in the long run. the ARDL results confirm both short and long term relationships between external debt and economic performance . The study recommends improved debt management strategies and efficient utilization of borrowed funds to ensure sustainable growth.

This study examined the influence of effective claims management on the growth of the Nigerian insurance industry. The study raised five specific objectives to guide towards the actualization of the study’s overall objective. Data were primarily sourced through online questionnaire, and a total of one hundred (100) questionnaire were found usable for the empirical analysis. The descriptive (frequency, mean and percentage) and inferential statistics (regression) were adopted for the study’s analysis. Specifically, the analysis revealed the following: a significant positive relationship between effective claims management and growth of the Nigerian insurance industry; a significant negative relationship between inadequate claims management and growth of the Nigerian insurance industry; that improved customers’ satisfaction has a significant relationship with growth of the Nigerian insurance industry; that strong regulatory framework does not have a significant relationship with growth of the Nigerian insurance industry; and that adoption of technology has a significant relationship with growth of the Nigerian insurance industry. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made that insurance companies: should strengthen claims management practices; address inadequate claims management; enhance customer satisfaction, foster technological adoption; and adopt collaborative approach to regulatory framework.

s that incorporates the ATmega328P microcontroller for precise control of two servo motors. The primary objective is to enhance the energy efficiency of solar photovoltaic systems by optimizing the orientation of solar panels to track the sun's movement across both horizontal and vertical axes. The ATmega328P microcontroller serves as the central control unit, receiving real-time data from sun position sensors. By utilizing this data, the microcontroller calculates the optimal angles for the solar panels to maximize their exposure to sunlight throughout the day. The servo motors are responsible for executing these calculated movements, ensuring that the panels are constantly aligned with the sun. The research focuses on the detailed design and construction process of the Dual Axis Solar Tracker System, including the integration of the ATmega328P microcontroller. Performance evaluation includes tracking accuracy, energy yield, and cost-effectiveness. The findings demonstrate that this innovative solar tracking solution significantly enhances the energy capture capabilities of solar installations, making it a promising technology for improving the sustainability and efficiency of renewable energy systems in various applications.

This research study examines the influence of drug abuse and socio-economic status
on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Egor Local Government area
of Edo State. The objective of the study is to explore the relationship between drug abuse, socio-economic status, and academic performance. Three (3) research questions were raised
to carry out the study and two (2) were hypothesized. The population of this study consisted of 12 Public Secondary Senior School in Egor
Local Government Area from which 175 students was randomly selected as samples for the
study. It was made up of 878 male students and 856 females students making a total number
of 1734 senior secondary school two (SSS2). The research design used was a descriptive
survey research design; the instruments used for the study were Drug Abuse and Socio- Economic Status Questionnaire (DASESQ) and Students Academic Proforma Record
(SAPR). Data were collected and analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research
question one, Hypothesis one was tested using Pearson product moment analysis while
hypotheses two was tested using ANOVA. All hypotheses were testing at .05 level of
significant. The finding of the study showed that Prevalence of Drug Abuse among Secondary
School Students in Egor Local Government Area is low. The finding also showed that there is
no significant relationship between Drug Abuse and Academic Performance among
Secondary School Students. Furthermore the finding also revealed that there is no significant
difference in Academic Performance of Secondary School Students. In line with the findings, it is therefore recommended, to Strengthen Drug Abuse Prevention Programs, Improve
Learning Environment and Resources and Improve Learning Environment and Resources.