FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

This research investigates the climate-responsive features embedded in traditional Benin
architecture and their relevance to sustainable design in contemporary practice. Benin City, located in southern Nigeria, experiences a hot-humid tropical climate characterized by high
temperatures, intense solar radiation, heavy rainfall, and elevated humidity. These climatic
conditions historically shaped the built environment, prompting indigenous builders to develop
architectural forms that enhanced thermal comfort and environmental adaptability. Traditional
features such as thick mud walls, steeply pitched thatched roofs with wide eaves, courtyards, verandahs, and strategic orientation were employed to regulate temperature, improve natural
ventilation, and protect against rainfall. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, drawing on literature review, field observations, and climatic analysis to identify and analyze
these features. Findings highlight the cultural and environmental significance of traditional Benin
architecture, underscoring its potential to inform sustainable and climate-resilient building
practices in present-day Benin City

Urban development projects rely heavily on accurate and detailed mapping to ensure efficient planning and management of resources. This study focuses on producing a comprehensive digitized map of Iyekogba Housing Estate, situated in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim of this project is to create a detailed map that encompasses all essential features, landmarks, and amenities within the estate. Achieving this aim involves the use of advanced mapping techniques to generate precise spatial data that can support informed decision-making in urban planning and development initiatives. The methodology employed in this project involves the use of Oscar Tersus GNSS equipment to acquire survey data (X, Y, Z coordinates) of the entire estate. Subsequently, the collected data is processed using various software applications, including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel. These software tools enable the integration, analysis, and visualization of the survey data, leading to the creation of a detailed map that accurately represents the spatial characteristics of Iyekogba Housing Estate. The results of the project are presented in accordance with the specified objectives. Firstly, the detailed map reveals the well-organized layout of individual plots (buildings) within the estate, indicating a planned development approach. Also a perimeter plan was created using AutoCAD to accurately define the boundary of Iyekogba Housing Estate. According to the perimeter plan analysis, the estate occupies an area of 510,538.983 square meters with a perimeter of 3,083.53 meters. Furthermore, a contour map was generated using ArcGIS to visualize the topographical characteristics of the study area. The contour map illustrates the elevation variations across the estate. In conclusion, this project successfully achieves its aim of producing a detailed map.

This project presents the findings of a perimeter and detailed survey conducted at the Chevron Main Office (TOPCON) Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State. The primary aim was to produce a comprehensive report on the property's boundaries and the features present within the area. This was to facilitate adequate planning and guide future development initiatives for the company's yard. The survey was essential for understanding the current level of structures and
developments, thereby identifying how remaining space could be managed or utilized for new construction projects.

The methodology involved several key stages, including office planning, field reconnaissance, and rigoroustesting of the survey equipment, a South NTS 362R Total Station, to ensure data accuracy. Fieldwork consisted of perimeter line cutting, traversing to establish control points, and a detailed survey to capture all natural and man-made features. Notable features mapped include administrative buildings, a helipad, warehouses, car parks, a basketball court, and the concrete wall fence defining the property boundary. Data processing involved computing coordinates, checking linear and angular accuracy, and calculating the total area. The results yielded a detailed digital plan of the site, produced using AutoCAD 2007 software at
a scale of 1:2,500. The survey achieved a high linear accuracy of 1:37,000 and determined the total area of the property to be 9.006 hectares. Analysis revealed that a significant portion of the land remains developed, indicating ample space for future projects. The final plan and report serve as a reliable base map and a functional database for the various land use types, fulfilling the project's objectives and providing a vital tool for the company's infrastructural planning and decision- making.

Land use and land cover (LULC) changes significantly influence urban planning, environmental management, and sustainable development. This study examines LULC dynamics in Delta State, Nigeria, over multiple years using Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. As one of Nigeria’s rapidly urbanizing regions, Delta State has witnessed extensive land cover transformations, driven by urban expansion, infrastructure growth, and economic activities.
Utilizing Sentinel-2 images from 2018, 2021, and 2024, alongside a projected land-cover model for 2030, this study employs supervised classification techniques to analyze land-cover transitions over time. Findings reveal that built-up areas increased by approximately 29% from 2018 to 2024, largely driven by urban expansion and infrastructural development. Conversely, dense vegetation cover declined by about 10.6%, primarily due to deforestation and land conversion for agricultural and residential purposes. Cropland expanded significantly by 27.8%, reflecting the ongoing transformation of vegetated areas into farmland, while bare land rose by 43%, associated with vegetation degradation and construction activities. Water bodies exhibited a moderate increase of 33.6%, likely influenced by expanded reservoirs and hydrological variations. Future projections for 2030 suggest that built-up areas will continue expanding at an accelerated rate, with a potential 31.7% increase from 2024, further intensifying pressure on natural ecosystems. Dense vegetation is expected to decline slightly, while cropland continues to expand, underscoring
growing agricultural demands. Bare land may decrease as some areas transition to built-up or reclaimed zones, and water bodies are projected to increase marginally. These trends, if sustained, could exacerbate environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, flooding, and urban heat island effects, emphasizing the need for sustainable land-use planning and effective conservation
measures

This research critically examines five contemporary sculptural artworks located on Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, focusing on their form, expression, and communicative potential. The study addresses the skepticism surrounding the ability of sculptural pieces to convey universal, non-verbal communication, independent of linguistic or idiomatic interpretations. This skepticism raises questions about the accessibility of the sculptural language to diverse audiences and its effectiveness in transcending cultural and contextual barriers. The research aims to explore how these sculptures communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives through their forms and expressions. By analyzing the selected artworks, the study seeks to uncover the extent to which they fulfill their communicative roles and resonate with both informed and lay audiences. Using a qualitative methodology, the research involves on-site observations, photographic documentation, and critical analysis of the sculptures’ aesthetic, thematic, and symbolic dimensions. Interviews with the artists and viewers provide further insights into the intent behind the artworks and their perceived impact. The findings reveal that while sculptural artworks on Ekehuan Campus exhibit remarkable creativity and thematic depth, their ability to communicate universally varies. Factors such as cultural symbolism, abstraction levels, and viewer familiarity significantly influence interpretation. The study concludes that effective non-verbal communication in sculpture requires a careful balance between universal themes and contextual nuances. This research contributes to art history and criticism by highlighting the dynamic interplay between form, expression, and audience perception in sculptural art, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public art creation and interpretation.

Architecture plays a crucial role in shaping how people experience, perceive, and interact with their environment. In university settings, the design of buildings and open spaces influences learning, behavior, comfort, emotional well-being, and overall campus life. This study examines the influence of architectural design on human experience within the University of Benin, focusing on how spatial qualities—such as layout, circulation, lighting, landscape, building orientation, materiality, and environmental comfort—affect students, staff, and visitors. The research explores key human-centered design factors, including accessibility, safety, wayfinding, social interaction, thermal comfort, and the emotional responses elicited by campus spaces. Data was gathered through on-site observations, user surveys, behavioral mapping, and photographic documentation across selected facilities such as classrooms, walkways, hostels, administrative blocks, and public outdoor spaces. Findings reveal that architectural design significantly shapes user experience by influencing ease of movement, social engagement, sense of belonging, and overall satisfaction with the campus environment. The study concludes that enhancing human experience requires conscious integration of user-friendly design principles in future development and renovation within the University of Benin.

Monitoring forest dynamics is essential for understanding ecosystem health and supporting sustainable conservation efforts in tropical environments. This study assessed forest cover changes in the Okomu Forest Reserve, Edo State, Nigeria, between 2015 and 2024 using geospatial techniques, including Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis and supervised land-use/land-cover (LULC) classification. Landsat satellite imagery for 2015, 2020, and 2024 was processed to generate NDVI maps and classify LULC patterns using a maximum likelihood algorithm. Temporal NDVI statistics revealed a moderate increase in vegetation greenness from 0.346 in 2015 to 0.360 in 2020, followed by a slight decline to 0.359 in 2024, indicating fluctuating vegetation health over the study period. Anomaly results further highlighted localized decline in vegetation vigour, suggesting increasing disturbance pressure. LULC analysis showed a decline in dense vegetation from 409.28 km² (37%) in 2015 to 375.82 km² (34%) in 2024, alongside an increase in moderate vegetation from 360.36 km² (33%) to 411.04 km² (37%), reflecting secondary regrowth in disturbed areas. Settlement areas expanded from 59.34 km² to 72.02 km², underscoring growing anthropogenic influence. Bare ground and light vegetation also exhibited reductions, suggesting conversion to built-up areas or natural regeneration. Overall, findings indicate progressive forest degradation coupled with evidence of vegetation recovery in specific zones. The observed changes are primarily attributed to human activities such as agricultural expansion, settlement growth, and logging. The study emphasizes the need for strengthened protection measures, community-based conservation strategies, and continuous remote
sensing monitoring to safeguard the ecological integrity of the Okomu Forest Reserve.

The quality of building maintenance in on-campus student hostels plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic experiences and overall well-being. This study examines the impact of hostel maintenance practices on the academic performance of students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Nigeria. A combination questionnaires and interviews were administered; data were collected from hostel residents and maintenance managers to assess the effectiveness of maintenance practices and their influence on student outcomes. A total of 180 students were sampled from two hostels, with responses analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that while routine and corrective maintenance practices are in place, their effectiveness is limited by resource constraints, delayed responses, and poor implementation. Key maintenance challenges include inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, faulty plumbing, and inefficient waste disposal, all of which were perceived as negatively impacting students’ living conditions. Regression analysis shows a significant positive relationship between students’ academic performance (measured by CGPA) and their perception of hostel maintenance effectiveness, particularly in areas such as restroom condition, water supply, and overall maintenance quality. The study concludes that improving hostel maintenance through proactive strategies, increased resource allocation, and efficient management practices can enhance students’ academic success. ecommendations include the adoption of preventive maintenance measures, digital reporting systems for maintenance issues, and improved supervision of facility management personnel. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on student housing quality and its implications for academic performance in public tertiary institutions.

The rapid urbanization and expansion of cities have become a global concern, with a profound impact on the environment, infrastructure, and the quality of life for residents. This study focuses on ETI-OSA Local Government Area, an area characterized by significant population growth and urbanization which makes it important to monitor and understand the dynamics of urban sprawl so as to ensure the well-being of the study area’s residents and the responsible use of resources.
To assess urban sprawl in ETI-OSA, this study employed a multidisciplinary approach that integrates Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Landsat Satellite imageries were acquired for the periods under study, that is, Landsat 4-5 for 1994, Landsat 7 and 9 for 2004 and 2014, and Landsat 9 for 2024. The techniques employed in this research are mosaicking, image clipping and supervised classification.

The results of this study shed light on the extent and patterns of urban sprawl in ETI-OSA Local Government Area. The analysis indicates a significant increase in urbanized land areas over the study period of 30 years which quantifies the extent of urban sprawl and its spatial distribution. This trend is a clear manifestation of urban expansion and population growth in the region. The implications of these findings are profound, as they provide valuable insights for land-use planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure development.

This study explores how local motifs can be used in jewelry making to preserve cultural heritage. It focuses on the importance of traditional symbols and how they can be adapted into modern jewelry without losing their meaning. The research looks at different materials and techniques, including the filigree method, which helps create detailed designs. By studying these motifs, the project shows how they can improve the beauty and cultural value of jewelry. The study also highlights how modern jewelry makers can use these traditional elements to create unique and meaningful designs. This research aims to support the preservation of local art by applying it in today’s jewelry industry