FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

This study examines the influence of price instability on cost estimation practices in the construction industry in Edo State, Nigeria. The study aims to identify the key drivers of price fluctuations and evaluate their impact on the accuracy and reliability of construction cost estimates. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals, including quantity surveyors, architects, engineers, and builders. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean item scores and standard deviation.
The findings reveal that inflation (mean = 4.42), material price fluctuations (mean = 4.34), and high interest rates (mean = 4.17) are the most significant factors contributing to price instability in the construction industry. Other notable factors include poor weather conditions, inadequate planning, and unstable government policies. The study further shows that key building elements such as reinforced concrete works, roofing materials, electrical systems, and finishing components are the most affected by these fluctuations. The results also indicate that price instability significantly reduces the accuracy of cost estimation, leading to frequent revisions of estimates, cost overruns, unreliable budgeting, and financial strain on both contractors and clients. In response to these challenges, the study identifies several effective mitigation strategies, including the use of price adjustment clauses, contingency allowances, early procurement, local sourcing of materials, and continuous market price monitoring. The study concludes that price instability remains a major threat to effective cost planning in the construction industry in Edo State. It recommends the adoption of proactive risk management strategies and improved forecasting techniques to enhance the reliability of cost estimation. This research contributes to existing knowledge by providing localized empirical evidence and practical solutions for managing cost uncertainty in a volatile economic environment.

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 research is an assessment of the delivery of low income housing in Nigeria, it analyzes the prospect and challenges of delivery of low income housing in Nigeria and intends to proffer recommendations toward an efficient delivery of low income housing in Nigeria

The research is an assessment of the delivery of low income housing in Nigeria, it analyzes the prospect and challenges of delivery of low income housing in Nigeria and intends to proffer recommendations toward an efficient delivery of low income housing in Nigeria

The circular economy has come forth as a dire approach for addressing challenges in the environment that is associated with the consumption of resources and generation of waste especially in the built environment. Given the importance of professionals of the built environment in achieving sustainability, it can be deemed as important to check and assess the level of awareness of circular economy strategies amongst students in the tertiary stage. This study evaluated the level of awareness of circular economy strategies amongst built environment students in the University of Benin, Nigeria. Adescriptive survey research design was used for this study. The collation and collection of data was done using structured questionnaires which were then distributed to students from these built environment disciplines; Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Estate Management, Geoinformatics, and Structural Engineering. The obtained data were analysed using descriptive tools such as
percentages and the results were then presented in tables and charts. Findings from the study showed that while a reasonable number of students possess a basic knowledge of circular economy concepts, their awareness was very limited to regular
sustainability practices like reduce, reuse and recycle. There was little to no knowledge on circular economy strategies and other advanced circular economy concepts particularly those related to DfD and material passport. The study also identified variations in awareness by department with design based disciplines having more sustainability knowledge than non design
based disciplines. The study concludes that circular economy strategies are not adequately taught or present in the
current curriculum of built environment students in the University of Benin. It therefore recommends the integration of circular economy in relevant courses and an increase in practical application of these strategies as these measure will help equip the students with the skills and knowledge to promote sustainable practices in the built environment through circular economy strategie

This study examines the impact of material wastage on construction project cost and delivery in Benin City, Edo State, with a view to identifying its causes and evaluating strategies for mitigating wastage during construction. The research was driven by the increasing cost overruns, reduced profit margins, and inefficiencies associated with waste generation on construction sites in Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to construction professionals including quantity surveyors, architects, builders, site supervisors, and engineers operating within Benin City. A total of 200 valid responses were analyzed using Mean Item Score (MIS) for ranking the causes, cost implications, and mitigation strategies .Findings revealed that the major causes of material wastage include delay in the use of materials, ineffective communication, use of substandard materials, human negligence, improper mixing, and inadequate supervision. The results further indicate that material wastage significantly contributes to increased overhead costs, extended project duration, poor resource utilization, escalation of material prices, loss of productivity, and budget overruns. The study also identified Just-In-Time (JIT) delivery, improved material handling, proper material storage, reuse and recycling, and the adoption of digital planning tools as the most effective strategies for minimizing waste. The study concludes that material wastage poses a substantial challenge to cost efficiency and project performance in the construction industry and recommends enhanced supervision, accurate material estimation, improved site management practices, and policy enforcement to reduce wastage and improve overall project delivery. Suggestions for further research include comparative studies across cities, financial quantification of waste-related losses, and evaluation of prefabrication technologies in waste
reduction.

This study was conducted at the university of Benin block of flat to evaluate the accuracy, efficiency, and applicability of both surveying methods in terrain mapping. The research aimed to improve the reliability of topographic data acquisition and to recommend appropriate techniques for modern surveying practices. It focused on determining how both instruments perform under similar field conditions and how their outputs can be effectively compared and integrated. Field data were acquired using both Total Station and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) instruments. Four temporary benchmarks were established using GNSS, which served as reference points for Total Station observations. The collected data were processed using Autodesk Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and Surfer software to generate contour maps, Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), and 3D surface models representing the terrain. These outputs provided a clear visualization of the area’s elevation pattern and slope behavior. The results revealed that the elevation within the study area ranged from 85. meters to 93.5 meters, indicating a gently sloping terrain with drainage flowing from north to south. Both datasets showed consistent terrain patterns, with the Total Station producing more detailed elevation variations and the GNSS providing faster and broader coverage. The study concludes that while the Total Station offers higher precision for detailed surveys, the GNSS method enhances efficiency and ease of data collection. Integrating both techniques is therefore recommended for achieving optimal accuracy and productivity in modern surveying and mapping projects.

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of design changes on various elements of building on project cost in Benin City by identifying the common causes of such changes, analyzing how they influence specific building elements including substructure, superstructure, finishes and various services assessing their contribution to cost overruns. 714 target population were identified with 159 responses received. The study identifies client-driven revisions and inadequate project scoping as the chief catalysts for increased costs, necessitating expensive rework, demolition, and administrative overhead. The research specifically analyzes how these design changes impact elemental costs, particularly those affecting major structural components. Through factor analysis, the cost influences are grouped into three main clusters: primary structures framework, enclosed & internal partition, interior finishes & components, and services & Site-Related operations. To counter these issues, the study advocates for mitigation strategies focused on creating a clear and detailed scope of work early on, concluding that establishing a realistic contingency budget and ensuring strong leadership are vital for maintaining financial stability and minimizing the negative effects of design changes. Furthermore, the implementation of a rigorous Change Control Protocol is advised to clearly quantify both direct and indirect costs such as schedule penalties and administrative time associated with every deviation. Finally, the research advocates for strengthening project leadership by empowering Project Managers to exercise abstract reasoning and act as financial stewards. By conducting regular budget adherence meetings and utilizing cost-to-complete forecasts, leaders can better manage client expectations and act as a deterrent to non-essential scope creep, ultimately safeguarding the project's financial stability

Land reform remains a critical issue of great relevance in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study therefore examined the impact of land reform in Benin City; a comparative study of Obagie and Ogheghe community. The study used secondary dataobtained from physical observation and respondents in the Ministry of Physical Planning, Housing, Urban and Rural Development. It was found that there is a spatial distribution and arrangement of different types of land uses within the study area. The study tends to show the implications of the land reform policy on land use pattern within the study area.

Flooding remains one of the most persistent environmental challenges confronting urban centers, particularly in developing countries such as Nigeria. This study investigates the application of urban drainage systems in flood reduction along Central Road, Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State, with emphasis on assessing existing drainage efficiency and developing sustainable solutions for stormwater management. The research integrates field observations, hydrological analysis, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based spatial modeling to identify flood-prone zones, evaluate drainage capacities, and analyze runoff behavior within the study area. Findings reveal that the recurrence of flooding is largely attributed to inadequate drainage capacity, poor maintenance practices, and rapid urbanization, which increase surface runoff and hinder effective flow conveyance. Based on the hydrological and spatial analysis, the study proposes practical interventions including drainage channel redesign, desilting programs, installation of retention structures, and the integration of nature-based solutions to improve stormwater conveyance and enhance urban resilience. Community involvement and public awareness were also identified as critical components for long-term flood management. This research contributes to sustainable urban planning and flood mitigation efforts by demonstrating how GIS supported hydrological analysis can inform the design and optimization of urban drainage systems. The findings provide valuable insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and urban planners seeking to reduce flood vulnerability in similar urban environments.