FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The quality of students’ halls of residence plays a significant role in shaping comfort, wellbeing, and academic productivity within the university environment. This study focused on the architectural evaluation of students’ halls of residence at the University of Benin, using Hall 4 (Male Hostel) as a case study, with the aim of assessing its spatial layout, environmental performance, facilities, and students’ level of satisfaction. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through the administration of a structured questionnaire to 295 residents of Hall 4, alongside direct physical observation and photographic documentation of the hostel environment. The data obtained were presented in tables and analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive interpretation. Findings from the study revealed that although the hall remains functional as a residential facility, several challenges exist, particularly in the areas of poor natural ventilation, inadequate sanitary facilities, insufficient maintenance, limited room space, and low overall student satisfaction. Physical observation further confirmed visible signs of poor maintenance, aging furniture, stained wall finishes, and poorly maintained washrooms and toilets. The study concluded that the architectural performance of Hall 4 does not fully support a comfortable and conducive living environment for students. Based on the findings, the study recommended improved ventilation strategies, renovation of sanitary facilities, better maintenance culture, upgrading of communal spaces, and periodic post-occupancy evaluation to enhance the quality of student residential facilities within the University of Benin.

This study was carried out to examine the assessment and impact of outdoor seating area in campus environment using the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin as case study. To guide the study, three questions were raised and descriptive research design was used for the research work. The population of the study was students from the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin from which a sample size of 50 random respondents was taken. The reliability of the research instrument was determined using the test retest reliability measure and simple percentage technique was used for data analysis. Findings from the survey conducted reveals that larger percentage of respondents strongly agreed that outdoor seating area has impact on students academics, physical and mental health, and social interactions. Most of the respondents agreed that infrastructures such as outdoor seats, lightings, green areas etc. are inadequate and also agreed with the need to construct new outdoor seating areas and renovate existing ones in the campus.

The increasing digitalization of the construction industry has highlighted the growingrelevance of virtual platforms as alternatives to traditional face-to-face site meetings. Thisstudy examines the use, benefits, and challenges of virtual platforms for constructionsitemeetings in Benin City, Nigeria, where infrastructural limitations and cultural preferencesinfluence technology adoption. A quantitative research design was employed, withdatacollected from 140 construction professionals—including architects, engineers, quantitysurveyors, and contractors—selected from a target population of 842. Using MeanItemScores (MIS), the findings show that Google Meet, Zoom, and WhatsApp are themost commonly used virtual platforms due to their accessibility and low data requirements. Keybenefits identified include enhanced stakeholder participation regardless of location, reducedmeeting costs, time savings, and improved documentation. However, major barrierstoeffective adoption remain, such as poor internet connectivity, unstable power supply, limitedtechnical skills, and low acceptance among older professionals. The study concludes that
while virtual platforms significantly improve communication efficiency and stakeholder engagement, their full potential is hindered by infrastructural and cultural constraints. It recommends targeted digital training, improved technological infrastructure, and hybrid meeting models to support sustainable digital transformation in Benin City’s construction sector.

his study investigates the relationship between construction equipment maintenance and safety
risks on construction sites in Edo State. The purpose of the study is to determine how different
maintenance practices influence the likelihood of equipment-related accidents and identify the
key challenges affecting effective maintenance implementation. Using a quantitative research
design, data were collected from 102 construction professionals, including site engineers, equipment operators, and safety officers, through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were applied to identify commonly adopted maintenance strategies, while Spearman Rank Correlation was used to assess the strength of the relationship between equipment maintenance and safety risks. The findings reveal that preventive maintenance practices such as scheduled servicing, tire pressure checks, hydraulic inspections, and safety system testing are the most widely implemented and significantly reduce the occurrence of mechanical failures, hydraulic leaks, electrical faults, and unplanned equipment breakdowns. A strong positive correlation was established between poor maintenance and increased safety risks, indicating that inadequate servicing greatly heightens the likelihood of equipment-related accidents on construction sites. The study further identifies major challenges limiting effective maintenance, including insufficient budgets, shortage of skilled technicians, poor record-keeping systems, and pressure to meet project deadlines. The practical implications suggest that improving maintenance culture, providing adequate funding, enhancing technical capacity, and enforcing safety compliance are essential for reducing accidents and improving safety performance in the construction industry. The originality and value of this research lie in its provision of empirical evidence from Edo State, where equipment-related safety challenges are prevalent, thereby contributing to the limited body of local literature on maintenance-driven safety management and offering actionable insights for construction firms, safety regulators, and policymakers committed to enhancing workplace safety standards.

This research focuses on the redesigning of traditional Agbada garment into modern clothing ,suitable for contemporary use . The African Agbada is an important cultural garment that represents the identity and heritage of the west African society . In which mostly this style is usually vominionus in size and structure . Which is used in
attendance of a ceremony or occasion. The study examined how the key features such as it's patterns, style and structure can be adopted into modern fashion designs while retaining it's cultural value. Whereby through the used of pattern making and garment a new designs developed and produced. The results of this research shows that traditional Agbada elements can be successful transformed into stylish, comfortable functional contemporary outfits while preserving it's cultural identity through modern fashion invention.

The construction industry faces increasing challenges in achieving sustainable, ecofriendly practices while meeting the growing demand for housing. This research project explores the viability of rammed earth as a substitute replacement for sandcrete and concrete in building construction in Ekosodin, Edo State, Nigeria. Rammed earth, an ancient construction material requiring special technique, offers significant potential for sustainable building due to its low environmental impact, availability of raw materials, and thermal mass properties. The research will encompass a comprehensive analysis of rammed earth's structural performance, thermal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in the context of Edo State's climate and local construction practices. By examining the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of rammed earth construction, this research aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations for promoting its adoption as a sustainable building material in Edo State, ultimately contributing to the region's sustainable development goals.

This study investigates rammed earth as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional construction materials in Edo State, Nigeria. With rising cement costs, high carbon emissions from concrete production, and an increasing housing deficit, there is urgent need for affordable, eco-friendly building solutions. Rammed earth—a technique involving compaction of soil, sand, clay, and stabilizers into formwork—offers low embodied energy, excellent thermal mass, and utilization of locally available materials. A questionnaire-based research design was employed, targeting architects, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, and students within Benin City. Out of 75 questionnaires distributed, 60 responses were received, yielding an 80% response rate. Findings revealed that 60.75% of respondents were unfamiliar with rammed earth technology, indicating a significant awareness gap. However, 64.1% agreed that rammed earth contributes to sustainable building practices, with 69.25% recognizing its use of local materials and 52.8% acknowledging its energy efficiency. Key
challenges identified included lack of skilled labor, limited public awareness, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and concerns about climate suitability. Despite these barriers, 46.1% of respondents expressed optimism about its future adoption in mainstream construction. The study concludes that rammed earth is a viable, durable, and sustainable material for residential construction in Edo State. Recommendations include increasing public and professional awareness, integrating rammed earth construction into academic curricula, developing standardized building codes, and encouraging its adoption through policy support and demonstration projects.

This study examined the impact of enforcement measures on property tax compliance in Benin City, Edo State. A survey research design was used, and data were collected from 100 randomly selected property owners and tax officials through a 20-item structured questionnaire. Four research questions guided the study and were analyzed using simple percentage analysis. The study was anchored on Deterrence Theory, which argues that taxpayers comply when penalties, audits, and sanctions are perceived as certain and effective, and Fiscal Exchange Theory, which suggests that compliance improves when taxpayers believe they receive valuable public services in return for the taxes they pay.Findings revealed that enforcement measures such as effective monitoring, timely issuance of notices, penalties for default, and public awareness campaigns significantly enhance tax compliance in Benin City. However, challenges including corruption, inadequate record-keeping, poor taxpayer education, and weak enforcement structures hinder full compliance. Respondents also noted that consistent enforcement promotes fairness, transparency, and accountability in the property tax system. The study recommends strengthening enforcement mechanisms through improved data management, regular audits, transparent penalty systems, and increased taxpayer education. It also
suggests adopting digital property tax systems and providing better training for tax officers to boost efficiency, reduce evasion, and sustain compliance across Benin City
and Edo State.

This study investigates the effect of reinforced concrete on the safety and structural performance of residential buildings in Benin City, Edo State. The frequent reports of structural defects, premature deterioration, and occasional building failures within the city have raised concerns about the quality of materials, construction practices, and compliance with established building standards. A survey research design was adopted, involving building professionals and residential property owners across selected areas in Benin City. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed from relevant literature and validated by experts. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used for analysis. Findings from the study revealed that major factors contributing to reinforced concrete failure in Benin City include poor-quality materials, inadequate supervision, incorrect reinforcement placement, improper mix ratios, and the use of unskilled labour. The study further established that these factors negatively affect building safety by causing structural cracks, excessive deflection, corrosion of reinforcement, and in severe cases, partial or total collapse. The research concludes that strict adherence to building codes, proper supervision by qualified professionals, quality control of concrete materials, and continuous monitoring during construction are essential for improving residential building safety. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhanced regulatory oversight, professional involvement at all construction stages, and increased awareness among clients and developers on the importance of using standard materials and skilled personnel. These measures will significantly reduce the risks associated with reinforced concrete failure and promote safer housing development in Benin City

Fashion has developed over the years and as we grow and continue to develop we make use of so many equipment in the fashion studio in clothing construction and many other things; however, the term used for the workroom of a fashion designer is called a Fashion studio. Generally, human beings’ use energy and skills to systematically carry out fashion activities but thrive better with the use of simple tools and equipment in the fashion studio for a well finished product. The scholars in their journal of the Textile Institute Transactions, (1930) Taylor & Francis wrote on the “handle” of cloth as measurable quantity. Saying in judging the feel or handle of a material, use is made of such sensation as stiffness or limpness, hardness or softness and roughness or smoothness.