FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

The study examines the factors influencing residential property values in Maitama and Maraba Abuja Nigeria, as the capital city has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to increased demand for housing and fluctuations in property values.Using a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative analysis of property sales data and qualitative investigation through a questionnaire, this research aims to identify the key trends and drivers shaping residential property values in Abuja. Factors such as location, infrastructure development, socio-economic characteristics, and government policies will be explored to understand their impact on residential property values in the study area. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, real estate developers, and investors in navigating the Abuja residential property market and making informed decisions. The findings of the study have indicated that variables that mainly influence the value of residential property in the study area are: location, cost of construction; type of structure/quality of facilities; the average number of rooms; change in maintenance cost; title/size of the land; neighborhood attributes and characteristics; inflation impact; size and structural characteristics and state of supply in the property market. The study concludes that location remains paramount. Properties near essential amenities, business districts, and transportation hubs command premium prices. The state of the economy significantly influences property values. Economic stability fosters investor confidence and stimulates demand. Quality construction materials and finishes justify higher prices, emphasizing the importance of well-built homes.

The research “ANALYSIS OF AESTHETICS AND USE OF SPACES IN TRADITIONAL RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN BENIN CITY: A CASE STUDY OF CHIEFOGIAMIEN’SPALACE”highlights an issue of poorly designed buildings in Benin city which in turn has a negative effect on it’s urban development. The purpose of this research is to thoroughly examine the characteristics of the Benin vernacular architecture and how it can be adopted into contemporary architecture. In this study, the root of the tree of architecture would be considered when analysing the generic development of Benin vernacular architecture into the modern-day architecture to achieve an environmentally friendly residential building while taking the native or indigenous culture of the Benin people into the design consideration.

The study examined the proliferation of unregistered estate agents and its implications for market integrity and pricing dynamics in Benin City. The main objectives were to (i) examine the factors responsible for the proliferation of unregistered estate agents, (ii) assess their effects on market integrity, and (iii) evaluate the impact of unregistered estate agents on property pricing dynamics. The study adopted a survey research design, and data were obtained from practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers registered with the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV) in Benin City and unregistered estate agents. A structured questionnaire was used as the primary instrument of data collection, and responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean scores, standard deviations, and percentages. Findings revealed that the proliferation of unregistered agents is largely driven by high unemployment rates, low barriers to entry, lack of regulatory enforcement, and public ignorance of professional standards. The activities of these unregistered agents have significantly undermined market integrity, leading to fraudulent practices, misinformation, and reduced public trust in the real estate sector. Furthermore, their involvement in property transactions was found to distort pricing dynamics, causing unrealistic price inflation and value inconsistency across different neighborhoods in Benin City. The study concludes that the prevalence of unregistered agents poses a substantial threat to the efficiency, transparency, and stability of the real estate market. It therefore recommends stronger regulatory enforcement, public awareness campaigns, and collaboration between professional bodies and government agencies to curb the activities of unregistered practitioners and restore integrity to property market operations in Benin City.

Graphic lighting systems has become a topic of interest in urban planning and design due to its potential benefits, including improved emergency response, better navigation, increased property values, and enhanced security. However, despite these potential benefits, there is limited research on the implementation and effectiveness of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin, and many questions and concerns remain about their use. However, the aim of this study is to examine the implementation and effectiveness of graphic lighting system for the entrance to the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research also brings to light the challenges and obstacles associated with implementing graphic lighting system in the University of Benin. The study established the effectiveness of graphic lighting system in improving emergency response, navigation, property values, record keeping, and security, its explore the perception of residents and visitors on the use of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin. The researcher investigates the cost-effectiveness of using graphic lighting system in the University of Benin and to explore the best practices for using graphic lighting system in the university.
The study employed the use of mixed methods approach within the case study method. The mixed method approach offers the opportunity to investigate and understand the dynamics of a particular system. With this approach, the researcher explores a single entity or phenomenon (the case) bounded by time and activity and collects detailed information using a primary and secondary mode of data collection procedure during a sustained period of time. The study adopted the use of both purposive and simple random sampling techniques.
The study shows that graphic lighting system has a rich history that differs from one region to another and the introduction of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin is a recent and welcomed development. It was recommended that since the use of graphic lighting system in the University of Benin has greatly enhance the aesthetics of the locality, residents and service providers should make use of graphic lighting system so as to make easy accessibility to locations for this will improve prompt service delivery and response in times of emergency. It was also recommended that other properties owners should embrace the graphic lighting system so as to give their property a higher value as prospective buyers or others that will consider such properties more desirable due to the fact that it will be easy in locating them. It is also important that creating awareness and educating citizens about its significance in the graphic lighting system

Accurate topographic mapping is vital for effective land-use planning, infrastructure development, and environmental monitoring. The integration of advanced remote sensing
techniques, particularly the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), is highly advantageous for creating efficient and precise terrain models. The importance of high-resolution topographic
data cannot be overstated, as it is integral to engineering applications and geospatial analysis. This study aims to produce a detailed topographic map of the University of Benin's Ugbowo
Campus, located along the Benin-Lagos Expressway in Benin City, Nigeria, utilizing the DJI Phantom 4 RTK drone. The methodology employed key topographic parameters, including elevation, slope, aspect, and terrain variation, to create a high-accuracy Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A UAV was operated at an altitude of 120 meters in a 3D flight mode, capturing high-resolution aerial imagery. To ensure precise geo-referencing of the orthophoto, Real-time Kinematic (RTK) GPS technology was utilized with an RTK-enabled drone, thus eliminating the need for Ground Control Points (GCPs). The acquired imagery was then processed to produce an orthophoto, which served as the basis for deriving the DEM, and contour lines were extracted at 5-meter intervals to illustrate elevation variations. The accuracy of the model was assessed through a positional accuracy analysis, revealing that the generated topographic data achieved a remarkable precision of less than 5 cm. This outcome
underscores the high accuracy of UAV-based mapping techniques. The resulting topographic map provides a comprehensive representation of the terrain, facilitating improved decision- making in urban planning, construction, and geospatial analysis. In conclusion, this research showcases the effectiveness of UAV photogrammetry, particularly through the integration of RTK technology, in producing precise topographic maps. It highlights the promise of UAV-based surveys as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional surveying methods, especially in challenging or inaccessible terrain. By achieving exceptional positional accuracy, these techniques not only enhance the quality of the collected data but also significantly contribute to improved decision-making across various domains, including urban planning and construction.

Flooding remains one of the most devastating environmental hazards in Nigeria, with severe impacts on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State is particularly vulnerable due to its low-lying terrain, proximity to rivers, and recurring seasonal rainfall. This study applied Geospatial Information System (GIS) and the Analytical Hierarchy Process(AHP) to assess and map flood vulnerability across the LGA. Key geospatial and socioenvironmental indicators including elevation, slope, land use/land cover, distance to rivers,soil type, and population density, were integrated and weighted to generate a composite Flood Vulnerability Index. The resulting map classified the area into four risk categories: very high, high, moderate, and low. Findings revealed that very high-risk zones, occupying about 22% of the land area, are concentrated in riverine communities such as Anegbette, Udaba, and Osomegbe, while high-risk areas (33%) extend across Aviele and Iyakpi. Moderate- and low-risk zones accounted for 27% and 18% respectively, with upland towns like Auchi and Jattu benefiting from higher elevation and better drainage. Notably, nearly two-thirds of the population reside within high or very high vulnerability zones, underscoring the human dimension of flood risk. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS-based multi-criteria analysis for local-scale flood assessment and provides an evidence-based tool to support disaster preparedness, land-use planning, and sustainable development in Etsako West and similar flood-prone regions of Nigeria

Building defects have become a critical issue in the Nigerian construction industry, contributing to structural failures, safety risks, economic losses, and increased incidence of building collapses. This study investigates the perceptions of built environment professionals regarding the causes, frequency, and prevention strategies for building defects in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A quantitative research approach was adopted involving administering structured questionnaire to 114 professionals comprising Engineers, Architects, Builders, Quantity Surveyors, and Estate Surveyors. Data were analyzed using Mean Item Score and the
Mann-Whitney U test. Findings revealed that cracks in walls/foundations, poor drainage, and roof leaks are the most prevalent defects across both public and private buildings in Benin City. The findings show no significant difference in the occurrence of defects between public and private sectors, highlighting industry-wide challenges such as poor workmanship, inadequate maintenance, and the use of substandard materials. A critical finding of the study is the lack of regular maintenance culture and insufficient professional oversight, which significantly contributed to the defects of building and facilities. The study recommends stricter enforcement of building codes, improved quality control, regular maintenance, and enhancedprofessional training to mitigate building defects. The study further recommends that policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders should aimed at improving building performance, safety, and durability within the rapidly growing urban environment of Benin City. Furthermore, the research highlights the need for a more integrated and collaborative approach among stakeholders, including government regulatory bodies, construction professionals, and property developers. The study also emphasized that while both public and private buildings face similar defect challenges, systemic issues such as corruption, budgetary constraints, and poor policy implementation exacerbate the situation in the public sector. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by presenting a contextual analysis of building defects specific to Benin City, offering both empirical data and practical recommendations. The adoption of digital tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), improved regulatory compliance, and investment in capacity building for construction professionals are proposed as sustainable strategies. Ultimately, thisresearch underscores the importance of proactive maintenance planning, quality assurance, and stakeholder education in fostering a
safer, more resilient built environment in Nigeria

Issues and Challenges of Service Charge Administration in Commercial Properties: A Study of Banex Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja.
In the context of Nigeria’s commercial property sector, this study investigates the inefficiencies and disputes in service charge administration at Banex Plaza, a commercial property in Wuse II, Abuja. The research objectives are to identify the plaza’s operational characteristics, assess current administrative approaches to service charges, evaluate their effectiveness in meeting stakeholder needs, and explore the challenges faced by both tenants and property managers in this process. A mixed-methods approach was employed to ensure comprehensive analysis, collecting quantitative data via questionnaires administered to 162 tenants and qualitative insights from interviews with five estate surveyors and direct physical observations of the plaza’s facilities.
The findings indicate that while Banex Plaza offers strong security services and reliable energy supply, it suffers from poor internet connectivity, unreliable elevator operation, and substandard cleaning quality. In addition, the service charge administration processes were found to lack transparency, timely reconciliation of accounts, and active tenant participation. Based on these findings, the study recommends implementing formal budgeting and accounting procedures for service charges, establishing transparent reconciliation mechanisms, enhancing communication channels between management and tenants, and developing standardized frameworks for service charge administration. These measures aim to improve efficiency, accountability, and tenant satisfaction in commercial property management.

This study investigates the influence of satellite constellation configurations on the positional accuracy of post-processed static GNSS data at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus. Static observations were collected at five known control points using a Tersus David30 receiver. Data was processed in Tersus Geomatics Office across seven constellation setups: GPS-only, GLONASS-only, BEIDOU-only, and their combinations. A detailed epoch-based analysis was also conducted at one control point using RTKLIB. Accuracy was assessed using coordinate residuals (∆E, ∆N, ∆H), RMSE, standard deviation, CEP, and 2DRMS, supplemented by classical
and robust statistics and time-series analysis. Results demonstrated that GPS-based solutions consistently delivered superior performance. The GPS+BEIDOU combination achieved the best accuracy (2DRMS = 0.160 m, CEP = 0.067 m), closely followed by GPS-only. In contrast, BEIDOU-only yielded the poorest results (2DRMS = 0.587 m), while GLONASS-only was notably weak and unstable. RTKLIB processing confirmed that multi-constellation setups, particularly GPS+GLONASS+BEIDOU, produced highly precise solutions with sub-centimeter standard deviations. Conversely, the GLONASS-only solution exhibited severe instability, with significant errors and outliers. Time-series analysis revealed that stable constellations maintained narrow error bands, while error spikes in other configurations corresponded directly to drops in satellite visibility

Urban sprawl is a significant challenge facing rapidly growing cities, particularly in developing countries, where unplanned expansion can strain infrastructure, degrade the environment, and complicate land-use management. This study evaluates the urban sprawl of Oredo Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State, Nigeria, using geospatial techniques to understand the patterns, extent, and implications of urban growth from 2004 to 2024. Multi-temporal Landsat satellite images were analyzed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map land use and land cover (LULC)changes, while population data were projected to assess growth and density patterns. The analysis revealed substantial transformations within Oredo LGA over the twenty-year period.Built-up areas expanded consistently, particularly between 2014 and 2024, often replacing vegetation and bare land. Vegetation cover declined steadily, while water bodies and open land diminished, reflecting environmental pressures associated with urban expansion. Population density increased sharply from approximately 1,504 persons per square kilometer in 2006 toabout 2,488persons per square kilometer in 2024, highlighting the strong correlation between demographic growth and land-use change. Areas such as Ring Road, Ugbowo, and Sapele Road were identifiedashigh-intensity development zones, whereas peripheral neighborhoods exhibited lower level sofurbanization. The study demonstrates that integrating remote sensing and GIS provides a robust framework for monitoring spatial development, identifying hotspots of urban growth, and supporting evidence-based urban planning. Based on the findings, recommendations include the institutionalization of geospatial monitoring, development of a GIS-based land information system, preservation of green spaces, targeted management of high-density zones, predictive modeling for future urban growth, integration of geospatial data into planning policies, and capacity building for planners and community engagement initiatives.