FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF CORROSION POTENTIAL OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM (CLOVE) AS A CORROSION INHIBITOR ON MILD STEEL IN SIMULATED SEAWATER

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This study investigates the effectiveness of clove oil extract as a green corrosion inhibitor for mild steel immersed in simulated seawater. Corrosion in chloride-rich marine environments leads to rapid metal degradation, and natural plant-based inhibitors offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals. Clove oil was extracted using ethanol-based solvent extraction, and mild steel specimens were exposed to 3.5% NaCl solutions containing 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mL of the extract. Electrochemical analyses, including Open Circuit Potential (OCP), Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Tafel polarization were conducted, alongside surface characterization using FTIR, SEM, and EDS. Results showed that the optimum inhibitor concentration (0.3 mL) produced a significant noble shift in OCP, stabilizing around +0.07 V compared to the unstable blank sample. Tafel analysis revealed a reduction in corrosion current density from 2.287 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² (control) to 0.887 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm², corresponding to an inhibition efficiency of 61.22%. EIS results confirmed enhanced surface protection, with charge-transfer resistance increasing from 1.8 × 10⁵ Ω·cm² for the blank to 1.0 × 10⁶ Ω·cm² at 0.3 mL. SEM images showed a smoother, film-covered surface at higher inhibitor concentrations, while EDS detected reduced Fe intensity and increased oxygen content. FTIR confirmed the presence of O–H, C–O, and aromatic C=C functional groups responsible for adsorption. This study concluded that clove oil extract has a strong protective effect, confirming its potential as an efficient eco-friendly corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in saline environments. It is recommended that future studies explore clove extract synergistically with other natural inhibitors to further improve corrosion resistance.
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STABILIZATION OF SOIL IN WATER LOGGED AREAS USING BAMBOO ASH

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Water-logged soils are a persistent challenge in geotechnical engineering, especially in tropical regions where high rainfall and poor drainage lead to saturated ground conditions. These soils typically exhibit low shear strength, high compressibility, and Poor loadbearing capacity, making them unsuitable for construction without prior treatment. In this study bamboo ash especially bamboo leaf ash (BLA) was assessed for its ability in improving soil strength, reducing permeability, and enhancing durability. Soil samples were collected from water-logged areas and classified using standard geotechnical tests. These soils fell under the category of high-plasticity clays or silts, which are prone to swelling, shrinkage, and settlement. Bamboo leaves were collected from a local source market. The bamboo ash was mixed with soil in varying proportions 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% by weight. The mixture was thoroughly blended and compacted using standard procedures. Test that were carried out include; Atterberg Limits test to assess changes in plasticity and consistency; Compaction; tests to determine optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD); California Bearing Ratio (CBR) to evaluate load-bearing capacity. The results showed that bamboo ash significantly increases shear strength,especially at an optimal content of around 4% to 6%, The plasticity index decreases, indicating better dimensional stability and reduced swelling/shrinkage behavior; CBR values improved, making the soil more suitable for subgrade and foundation applications.
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co-supervisor

ESTIMATION OF REFINERY WASTE - AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN WHILE REFINING OIL AND GAS

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Refinery operations play a crucial role in converting crude oil and natural gas into usable
petroleum products; however, these processes generate significant quantities of waste that pose serious environmental concerns. This study examines the estimation of refinery wastes and evaluates their impact on the environment during oil and gas refining activities. The research focuses on identifying major categories of refinery waste such as gaseous emissions, wastewater effluents, solid sludge, spent catalysts, and particulate matter and assessing their sources, composition, and disposal techniques. Data was collected through operational records, regulatory reports, and existing environmental studies. Findings indicate that improper waste management contributes to soil degradation, water pollution, air contamination, and adverse health effects on nearby communities. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting environmentally sustainable waste handling practices, advanced treatment technologies, and strict compliance with environmental regulations to minimize ecological damage. It concludes that effective waste
estimation and management strategies are essential to ensuring cleaner refinery operations, protecting ecosystems, and promoting public health.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

REAL TIME IMAGE AND AUDIO TRANSMISSION USING A REMOTELY CONTROLLED MECHATRONIC AGENT

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There are several uses for real-time image and audio transmission through a remote-controlled agent in telepresence, remote monitoring, surveillance, search and rescue operation, healthcare and medical applications, industrial inspection and maintenance, and education alongside research. Hence, the aim of this work is to develop a real time image and audio transmission using a remotely controlled mechatronic agent.
This study describes a system that combines computer vision, audio processing, and wireless communication to provide real-time multimedia streaming via remotely operated agent. A mobile robotic platform with a camera embedded with a microphone feature that makes up the suggested system, which sends live audio and video data to a distant control center via a wireless network. In order to maximize bandwidth utilization and guarantee low latency and high-quality transmission, sophisticated compression algorithms are used. To improve the clarity of the received data, the system also includes image stabilization and noise reduction. The effectiveness of several communication technologies, including Wi-Fi and 5G, in preserving a steady connection in changing settings is assessed. The recommended system consist of an ES-Custom RC transmitter and receiver for remote control, a lithium battery as the power source, a Standalone
x360 mini camera with motion sensor and flash features for real-time streaming, a TP4056 charger module for battery management alongside a mobile platform being driven by two electric motors where one motor is controlling the front wheel responsible for the forward motion of the prototype and the other electric motor that is responsible for the rotational motion of the aforementioned system, and a servo motor that is responsible for the general motion (which can either be forward, backward, or rotational motion) of the camera system. The TP4056 charger module is connected v to an AC supply power source which has a BMS (Battery Management System) in place to prevent
against overcharge of the system and also over-discharge of the system when it is in use. The power being supplied by the AC source is converted to a DC power source via the TP4056 charger module which charges the two Lithium battery and stores this energy within a voltage range of 3.7 – 4.2 volts, 1 Amp. The Step-up module helps to convert the voltage being provided by the two Lithium batteries to a steady 5 volts which is required by the camera for its utilization. The RV (Remote Vehicle) System contains several chips serving different functions – One of these chips manages the power that comes into the system (the single small black chip), there is a big black chip apart from the two black chips arranged side by side which manages the control and the other black chip is responsible for the light function. The video feedback from the Camera is displayed
on an Android phone device via an app known as V380pro, and this app can be connected through a HotSpot and a Wi-Fi connection alongside with the barcode on the camera system being scanned. The developed system when connected together performed satisfactorily. It will help to monitor an environment via mobile phone in which the system is placed.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR SYSTEM FOR A 4 – BEDROOM BUNGALOW

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This project looks into the designing and installation of solar PV system to power some appliances in a five bedroom bungalow building. This is necessary because of unreliable power supply. Solar energy is a clean and endless source of power from the sun, unlike electricity from utility companies which can be limited and affect daily activities. In this project, we designed a solar PV system which consists of PV cells, charge controller, inverter, batteries.The size of the solar panels, battery capacity, and other components needed to run the appliances efficiently was calculated. Then testing of each part of the system was carried out to make sure it worked properly before putting it all together. The photovoltaic cells were used to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. This electricity is then sent to the charge controller and then to the inverter which then charges the batteries. The stored charges in the batteries can be used to power our appliances even when the sun isn’t shining. The system is designed specifically for powering home equipment like fans, light bulbs, fans etc. The final system was tested in the University of Benin, Benin City, (6.3998° N, 5.6099° E). It was successfully used to power some home appliances like light bulb, fan. From the test, graphs of current (amps) against time (hrs) and power (watts) against time (hrs) were plotted it was then observed that at the earlier hours of the day, the current and likewise the power from the panel increases and it is maximum at 1:30pm. It begins to reduce from 2pm. This is due to the reduction of the irradiance of the sun. The weather becomes a bit cloudy and towards evening there is minimal sunlight resulting in lesser current. The more the sunlight, the higher the current and vice versa. This shows that solar power can be a reliable way to run home equipment, even in places with frequent power outages. Overall, the project demonstrates that solar energy has the potential to reduce reliance on traditional electricity from utility companies.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF HIGH-FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION LINES EXPERIMENTATION SYSTEM (HF-TESt) ON A 6-LAYER PCB USING FR4 SUBSTRATE, FOR SUB-2 GHZ APPLICATIONS

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The comprehensive study of high-frequency transmission lines, including stripline, microstripline, differential microstriplines and differential striplines configuration is ritical for advanced RF and microwave engineering education. Fundamentals of some transmission line phenomenon such as impedance matching, reflection coefficient and the effect of open and short circuits, relies greatly on practical hands-on experience alongside theoretical tools like the Smith chart. Furthermore, many academic institutions face challenges in providing laboratory systems that accurately represent high-frequency transmission line structures on common PCB substrates such as FR4. The absence of versatile and cost-effective experimental circuits limits students’ opportunities to explore and solve real-world transmission line problems, thereby hindering the development of essential engineering skills. This project aims to develop an integrated high-frequency transmission line experimentation systems for university laboratories, incorporating stripline, microstripline, differential microstriplines and differential striplines configuration on FR4 substrates. The system will facilitate direct measurement and analysis of transmission line behavior, enabling students to visualize various experiments, and investigate the proposed applications (e.g. open and short circuit effects, s-parameters, transmission line as a filter etc.) within a controlled environment. By linking theoretical concepts with practical experiments, specifically through the application of Smith chart and transmission line theory, this system will enhance RF engineering education, equipping students with the competence needed to address modern communication system challenges effectively.
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co-supervisor

DESIGN AND FABRICATION OF A SMART IOT-BASED FUEL MONITORING SYSTEM FOR TRACTORS

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This study presents the design and fabrication of a Smart Internet of Thing (IoT)-based feul monitoring system for agricultural tractors. The system aims to improve operational efficiency, minimize fuel theft, and enhance real-time decision-making in mechanized farming. It integrates an ultrasonic fuel level sensor, NodeMCU V3microcontroller, GPS, and GSM modules to provide continuous fuel data and location tracking. Using Blynk and Thing Speak IoT platforms, real-time fuel levels, consumption trends, and geographic positions were displayed through web and mobile interfaces. Calibration and testing revealed that the system achieved high measurement accuracy with an error margin of less than ±5%, Wi-Fi data transmission latency between 6–8 seconds, and SM S alert delay of 7–12 seconds. The prototype demonstrated effective performance under field conditions, withstanding vibration, heat, and moisture without data loss. Results confirm that the developed IoT-based system is affordable, reliable, and user-friendly for small- and medium-scale farmers. It enables efficient monitoring of fuel resources, enhances accountability, and supports preventive maintenance through analytics and alert mechanisms. Overall, the system bridges the technological gap in fuel management for agricultural operations in developing regions and contributes to sustainable mechanization practices
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A PHARMACY

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Effective inventory management is vital in ensuring the continuous availability of essential drugs in community pharmacies. However, many small and medium-sized pharmacies in Nigeria still rely on manual stock records, which are often prone to errors, delays, and inefficiencies. These limitations lead to frequent stock outs, overstocking, and poor decision-making. This project was therefore aimed at developing a low-cost, web-based pharmacy inventory management system that can automate key inventory operations and improve overall stock control efficiency. The system was designed to integrate real-time data entry, sales monitoring, and automatic computation of inventory parameters such as the Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) and the Reorder Point (ROP).
The methodology involved the design and implementation of a web application connected to a PostgreSQL database. The system was built using React.js for the frontend, Node.js with Express for the backend, and MongoDB and PostgreSQL for data management. Data used for analysis were derived from the pharmacy’s 2024 operational records, including sales transactions, purchase orders, and stock levels. Analytical models such as the EOQ and ROP formulas were embedded into the application to enable automated calculation of optimal order quantities and reorder levels. The system’s functionality was evaluated based on its performance in handling more than 15,000 sales records, accuracy in computation, and responsiveness in generating real-time alerts.
The results showed that the system effectively automated stock control processes, minimized manual errors, and significantly improved decision-making speed. The EOQ and ROP computations consistently produced accurate results using a uniform 20% safety stock across all products. Additionally, the system generated automatic reorder alerts
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

ENHANCING QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS IN FEED AND FLOUR PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF A FEED AND FLOUR MILLIN NIGERIA.

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This project explores the quality assurance (QA) practices in Prime Feed and Flour Mill
Limited, aiming to improve product safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance
customer satisfaction. With the increasing demand for high-quality food and animal feed,
alongside the public health threats posed by contaminated or inferior products, it is crucial to
maintain consistent quality throughout production processes. The research investigates the
existing QA frameworks utilized by the quality control sector, assesses their conformity with
national regulatory standards established by NAFDAC and SON, and identifies prevalent
challenges in their implementation. Data was gathered through document analyses from the
laboratory results and log book.
The results recognize that various factors affect quality standards, including insufficient staff
training, inadequate documentation, limited QA infrastructure, and weak enforcement
mechanisms. The study emphasizes key quality indicators such as moisture content, aflatoxin
levels, microbial load, and packaging integrity as vital control points.
Recommendations include regular QA training for personnel, strengthening internal audits,
improving record-keeping systems, and adopting technology for process monitoring. The
study concludes that a more structured and proactive quality assurance system is necessary to
meet both regulatory and consumer expectations in the feed and flour production sector in
Nigeria.
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co-supervisor

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFECT OF NaOH ON THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES BENEFICIATED GUM ARABIC

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This research examines how sodium hydroxide (NaOH) influences the flow characteristics of purified gum Arabic-based drilling mud formulations, positioning them as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional synthetic additives. The experiment involved developing seven initial formulations combining bentonite with different polymer systems: xanthan gum, gum Arabic, and mixtures of gum Arabic with either cocoyam starch or ginger extract in proportions of 50/50 and 75/25. Subsequently, selected formulations underwent alkaline modification using NaOH at measurements of 3.0g, 7.5g, and 15.0g to replicate varying pH environments.
Flow behavior parameters encompassing plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (YP), gel strength, and mud weight were determined through Fann viscometer measurements and evaluated against three mathematical model frameworks: Bingham Plastic, Power Law, and Herschel-Bulkley models.
Experimental findings demonstrated that 50g of gum Arabic delivered comparable rheological characteristics to 1g of xanthan gum under neutral conditions. The introduction of alkaline treatment produced substantial modifications in fluid behavior, with response patterns dependent
on both the specific polymer-starch pairing and alkalinity level. The most remarkable transformation occurred in the gum Arabic-cocoyam (50/50) formulation treated with 7.5g NaOH, which demonstrated PV of 65 cp and YP of 180 lb/100ft² corresponding to increases of 261% and 1025% respectively relative to the 3.0g NaOH variant. The gum Arabicginger combination displayed considerable viscosity enhancement (PV = 108 cp with 7.5g NaOH) yet revealed temporal degradation of gel structure at elevated alkalinity levels. Every alkalinetreated system manifested pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) characteristics with flow behavior indices (n) spanning 0.3 to 0.948, validating their appropriateness for drilling fluid applications. Comparative model analysis indicated that the Herschel Bulkley model most accurately characterized the behavior of alkaline modified natural polymer systems, whereas both Bingham Plastic and Power Law models exhibited substantial prediction errors, especially under highalkalinity conditions. These results established that purified gum Arabic, when strategically combined with indigenous starches, (cocoyam & ginger) and subjected to pH optimization, represents a viable, environmentally degradable, and economically advantageous alternative to synthetic drilling fluid components, delivering ecological advantages while preserving operational performance standards required for petroleum drilling activities.
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