FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

Flooding is a recurring environmental hazard that continues to pose significant challenges to urban development, particularly in rapidly growing cities of developing countries like Nigeria. This study investigates the causes, extent, and possible mitigation measures for flooding along Edaiken Primary School Road and its environs in Benin City, with the aim of improving stormwater management and promoting sustainable urban resilience. The researchevaluates the efficiency of existing drainage infrastructure, identifies flood-prone zones, and designs an appropriate drainage system to mitigate runoff accumulation. A combination of field observations, hydrological data collection, and GIS-based spatial analysis was employed to assess catchment characteristics and flow patterns. The drainage catchment was delineated into five sub-catchments (SC1–SC5), each with distinct topographic and hydrological properties. Results from the analysis revealed that sub- catchments SC3 and SC4 contribute the largest volumes of runoff due to their lower elevation and higher flow accumulation potential. The hydrological parameters indicated short times of concentration (0.284–0.583 hours) and high rainfall intensities (137.034–175.972 mm), which are typical of urbanized areas with low infiltration capacity.

Infrastructural Facilities in public institutions in Nigeria are Inadequately maintained and few that are maintained are allowed to Deteriorate completely without any sustainable maintenance plan or strategy This study aims at evaluating the maintenance culture on institutional buildings in buildings in Nigeria particular focus will be on University of Benin junior staff Quarters; to know their current state and maintenance performed on these buildings, particularly from occupiers perspective and hopefully with the view of addressing the maintenance needs of the building, identifying the Element of the Junior Staff Quarters that Needs the most repairs , examining the factors contributing to the deterioration of the Junior staff quarters and identifying the strategies for improving the maintenance of the junior staff quarters. The data for this study was collected using a structured questionnaire and personal observation. The purposive technique will be utilised in this study. This sampling technique is considered appropriate for this research given that it will allow the researcher to focus on a specific group of people and area of interest to gather in-depth data on the research topic.

This study aimed to analyze the maintenance management practices in-use in industrial and assembly buildings with a view to enhancing the life and function of the buildings. To achieve the aim, the study identified the maintenance management practices used in industrial and assembly buildings in Edo State, investigated factors influencing the choice of maintenance management practices used, evaluated the challenges faced and examined the strategies to mitigate challenges faced in implementing maintenance management practices in the study area. These objectives were analyzed using the mean item score. Data from 60 responses out of a total sample of 100 professionals were analyzed. The research identified ‘‘preventive maintenance” to be the most prevalent and commonly used maintenance management practice in Edo State, followed by “corrective maintenance” and then by “predictive maintenance”, “Condition based” and “Total- productive maintenance” were the lowest ranking 5th and 6th. The research results further showed “the type of the building”, “Criticality of equipment” and “age of the building” ranked the highest being 1st,2nd ,3rd respectively other factors like “manager preferences” sand “building location” were outlined less crucial from the research results. Regarding challenges, building complexity, high-cost maintenance and lack of skilled personnel, topped the charts as the most
prevalent challenges. Ranking 1st, 2nd, 3rd respectively other challenges “building location” were deduced less challenging and ranked lowest. Amongst the strategies that can be adopted to mitigate challenges, “Training and Development programs” was ranked 1st, followed by“implementation of cost benefit analysis” and “better incentives for maintenance personnel” ranked 2nd and 3rd

The construction industry has been plagued by the issue of payment delay. This study examined the effects of payment delay on construction projects in Benin City, Edo State with a view to enhancing contractors’ projects cash flow. The data for this study was gotten through the response to the administered structured questionnaire. The data obtained was analyzed using the mean item score, this answered the question of this study through the research objectives; to; identify the causes of payment delay on construction projects in Edo State, assess the effects of payment delay on construction projects in Edo State, ascertain the measures for mitigating the effects of payment delay on construction projects in Edo State. The research findings showed
that administrative bottlenecks/bureaucracy ranked as the highest cause of payment delay. It also found that delayed payment had a detrimental effect to construction projects where delay in project completion was seen to be the highest effect. Contractors should adhere strictly to the conditions of contract so as to reduce the effect of payment delay on construction projects

Urbanization significantly alters natural landscapes, often leading to vegetation loss and environmental degradation. This study assesses the impact of urban expansion on natural vegetation in Ikpoba-Okha using Landsat satellite imagery. By analyzing multi-temporal remote sensing data, the research examines land cover changes, vegetation decline, and urban growth patterns over time. Image classification techniques, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) analysis, are employed to quantify vegetation loss. The findings provide valuable insights into the ecological consequences of urbanization, aiding in sustainable land-use planning and environmental conservation efforts in the region.

The earliest vertical gardens extend back 2000 years to the Mediterranean region, and ornamental roof gardens were first created by the civilizations that inhabited the basins of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers (the most famous examples of which were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in the seventh and eight centuries B. C.). Northern European regions, such as Norway's sod roofs or the Mediterranean basin's climbing plants for shading vertical surfaces, have a number of examples of green roofs and façades dating to the 18th and 19th centuries. To support sustainable construction practises, modern building envelopes also contain cutting-edge materials and other technologies.

This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of the key architectural and construction features of green buildings and Benin traditional buildings, with a focus on their adaptability and resilience to local climate conditions and environmental factors. The research will first examine the general characteristics of green buildings and Benin traditional buildings, including their underlying design principles, material selection, and construction techniques. This will involve a review of the existing literature on the subject, as well as an assessment of the environmental performance and sustainability aspects of each building type. The study will further look into the adaptability and resilience of these building features, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management, compare to the traditional building practices and techniques employed in Benin. The role of cultural influences, traditional knowledge, and innovative sustainable solutions in enhancing the adaptability and resilience of these buildings will also be explored. Furthermore, the research will investigate the potential for integrating green building strategies with Benin traditional building practices to create more climate-responsive and environmental-friendly structures. This will involve identifying the challenges and opportunities in bridging the gap between modern green building approaches and traditional construction methods. The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the comparative advantages and limitations of green buildings and Benin traditional buildings in addressing local environmental conditions and climate change adaptation. The insights gained can inform policymakers, architects, and construction professional in developing more sustainable and resilient building practices that combine the best of both approaches.

This project topic has been a recurring theme in various art forms/styles, yet its impact in the society has been limited. Various artist has attempted to tackle this issue through their work, using powerful imagery and symbolism to convey the devastating effect of corruption on the country’s development. Nevertheless, despite these efforts, the cycle of corruption and economic stagnation remains unbroken, and the desired change has not been achieved to its fullest. This work aimed to grab the attention of the government to the harmful effects of corruption and economic stagnation on Nigerians daily lives

The rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities for architectural innovation, yet its adoption remains uneven in emerging markets. This study examines the integration of AI as a professional tool within architectural firms in Benin City, Nigeria, with the explicit purpose of demonstrating its value and encouraging strategic implementation across local practices. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through structured surveys of 15 practitioners, in-depth interviews with 10 employed architects in architectural firms, and detailed case studies of four firms at varying
levels of digital maturity. Quantitative analysis looked at how many firms use AI, which tools they use, and how it affects their work pace, while qualitative analysis explored the challenges, supports, and unique experiences of each firm.

The rapid advancement of smart technologies has significantly influenced various sectors, particularly in urban development and infrastructure management. This study explores the ‘prospect of smart building development in Nigeria, using Benin City as a case study’. The increasing rate of urbanization in Nigeria, projected to reach 70% by 2050, necessitates the adoption of innovative solutions to tackle infrastructural challenges and enhance the quality of life for citizens. Smart buildings, which integrate advanced technologies such as the Internet of
Things (IoT), automation systems, and energy-efficient solutions, present a viable opportunity to improve resource management, energy efficiency, and sustainability in urban environments. The study aims to assess the current state of building infrastructure in Benin City, identify the potential benefits of smart buildings, and evaluate the challenges hindering their widespread adoption. The research adopted a survey research design, employing both primary and secondary
data collection methods. Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to Estate Surveyors, Engineers, Architects, and Quantity Surveyors in Benin City, with a total of 205 valid responses analyzed using descriptive statistical methods, The findings revealed that while there is growing awareness of smart building technologies, several barriers persist, including high initial capital costs, limited awareness among stakeholders, inadequate
regulatory frameworks, and infrastructural deficiencies such as poor internet connectivity and unstable electricity supply. The study highlights the numerous benefits of smart buildings, including enhanced security systems, energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, and optimized resource management. However, it also underscores the need for government intervention through supportive policies, public awareness campaigns, and financial incentives to encourage the widespread d adoption of smart building technologies. The research concludes that while the adoption of smart buildings in Nigeria is still at a nascent stage, strategic collaborations between the government, private sector, and educational institutions could pave the way for a more sustainable and technologically
advanced urban environment. This study serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, urban planners, developers, and academics, providing insights into the prospects of smart building technologies and offering recommendations to foster their growth in Nigeria's built environment.