FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

THE ROUTE SURVEY AND DESIGN OF OKUO-OVO ROAD AT JESSE, DELTA STATE

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This project centers on the critical task of conducting a route survey and designing a particular road in Jesse Town, a community with growing infrastructure needs. The study blends traditional surveying methods with advanced technology, particularly Autodesk Civil 3D, to streamline the road design process. The project's route survey commenced with meticulous data collection and benchmark establishment, ensuring data precision and the creation of accurate topographic maps. Traversing and leveling procedures provided a comprehensive understanding of the town's terrain. The data collected served as the basis for road design. Autodesk Civil 3D played a pivotal role in the road design phase. The software facilitated the creation of horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-sections, and drainage systems, ensuring a cohesive and optimized road design. Furthermore, its 3D modeling capabilities provided realistic visualizations, enhancing stakeholder communication and decision-making. The project covers a view and detailed explanation of the route survey which in chider reconnaissance survey, theologize traversing and levelling operation as well as transferring of height across the road sections for proper road chambering and culvert design. The project result shows a well detailed road design which meets all the necessary criteria
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co-supervisor

PREVALENCE OF VIRULENCE AND RESISTANCE GENES IN Salmonella Typhi AMONG INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS IN TWO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF BENUE STATE

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An internally displaced person (IDP) is someone who is forced to leave his/her home due to a crisis, conflict, or natural disaster to find safety within their country's borders. Internal displacement has significant effects on public health, including the prevalence of typhoid fever. Following decades of several crises in Benue State, there has been an increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of virulent and resistant genes of Salmonella typhi among internally displaced persons in two local government areas of Benue State, Nigeria. Four hundred (400) stool samples were collected alongside with a well-structured questionnaires, 200 stool samples were collected from each IDP camp (Logo and Guma). The samples were screened for Salmonella Typhi following standard bacteriological procedures. Salmonella isolates were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility test on Muller-Hinton agar following the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique. Plasmid gel electrophoresis was used to screen the isolates for plasmids. Acridine orange was used for curing experiment. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect virulent and resistant genes: inVA, FliC-d, tetA and blaTEM, respectively. The identification of Salmonella Typhi was done by using PCR the STY0307- specific gene primers. The results of this study showed a higher prevalence [50(12.5%)] of S. typhi infection in Logo LGA compared to Guma LGA, with 30(7.5%). Salmonella typhi infection was highest 5.0% amongst IDPs aged ≤10 years in Logo LGA and 3.0% in Guma LGA. Female IDPs had a significantly (P<0.05) higher prevalence rate (8.75%) in Logo LGA than males, with 3.75%. Female IDPs in Guma LGA had a higher infection rate 5.0% in comparison to males with 2.5%. Concerning duration in camps, IDPs who lived longer than 2years had a higher Salmonella Typhi infection rate (4.25% in Guma LGA and 9.5% in Logo LGA). Salmonella Typhi isolates exhibited resistance to ceporex (cephalexin), ciprofloxacin (cipro), ampicillin (omnipen), streptomycin (trobicin), gentamycin (gentamicin) and tetracycline (doxycycline). The isolates' multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) ranges from 0.4 to 0.7. The study demonstrated a high prevalence of plasmid mediated multidrug resistant potentially virulent strains of xvii Salmonella Typhi amongst the sample IDP dwellers. The antibiotic resistance was borne on lasmids following the post-curing experimentation. The isolates showed presence of the blaTEM resistant gene of 100.00% isolates and tetA resistant gene 50.00% isolates. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that 80% of the isolates harboured the inVA gene. The FliC-d virulent gene was not detected in the isolates. A total of 75.00% of the isolates showed amplification of the STY0307 gene, for Salmonella Typhi. The presence of typhoid fever and high levels of antimicrobial resistance plasmid-mediated in this study implies a significant threat to public health. It is therefore imperative for stakeholders and policymakers to prioritize healthcare infrastructure, routine screening, and education within IDP settings to curb the spread of resistant and virulent S. typhi strains.
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co-supervisor

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF STUDENTS’ HOUSING SATISFACTION AND ITS INFLUENCE ON ACADEMIC SUCCESS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

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Student housing satisfaction plays a crucial role in shaping the overall university experience and
may significantly influence academic success. This study examines the relationship between
housing satisfaction and academic performance among students at the University of Benin, Nigeria. Using a mixed-method approach, the study collected data through structured questionnaires
administered to 100 randomly selected students living in both on-campus and off-campus
accommodations. Additionally, academic performance was measured using self-reported grade
point averages (GPAs), while housing satisfaction was assessed using a Likert scale evaluating
various accommodation factors. Findings revealed that students who reported higher satisfaction with their housing conditions
also tended to have better academic performance. Key determinants of satisfaction included
adequate electricity and water supply, secure living environments, functional study spaces, and
positive roommate relationships. Conversely, students in poorly maintained or overcrowded
accommodations reported higher stress levels, which negatively impacted their studies. On- campus housing was generally rated more favorably due to proximity to lecture halls and
libraries, though some students cited challenges such as sanitary issues and limited privacy. The study concludes that improving student housing conditions can enhance academic success
by providing a conducive living and learning environment. Recommendations include
university-led renovations of hostel facilities, better maintenance services, and partnerships with
private housing providers to ensure affordable, quality accommodations. Future research could
increase the sample size and introduce longitudinal data to further validate these findings. This study contributes to the broader discourse on student welfare and academic achievement, emphasizing the need for policymakers and university administrators to prioritize housing
quality as a key factor in educational outcomes.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

UTILITY MAPPING OF UNIVERSITY OF BENIN UGBOWO CAMPUS

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This project was undertaken for the purpose of creating a Utility map of the University of Benin. The goals were to locate subsurface utilities using the Global Navigation Satellite System and to provide information from the data in form of maps. This details the procedures that are taken to collect, process, and manipulate data from secondary sources as well as data collected on the field in order to accomplish the project's objective. The fieldwork took place in July/August 2023. The TERSUS GNSS rover used during this fieldwork was connected to Geosystem CORS, which was used to obtain the X, Y, and Z coordinates for all the utilities inside the research area, and the antenna of the rover was placed at 200 cm was used to obtain the height. Data from the field was downloaded from the data logger, transferred to a notepad, and then opened in a Microsoft Excel environment. With ArcMap's display X, Y data tool, the excel file was opened and then converted to shapefile format. It was added as a layer using the shapefile. The layer was placed on top of a Google Earth image of the study area, however there was a slight displacement that was fixed with ArcGIS's spatial adjustment tool. An extensive and precise database of subsurface utilities has been produced as a result of the underground mapping project at the University of Benin utilizing GNSS technology. The location, depth, type, and condition of the several utility networks on campus have all been usefully revealed by this mapping project. The university has considerably enhanced its infrastructure management, safety procedures, and maintenance processes by utilizing GNSS technology. The mapping data acts as a fundamental resource for upcoming development initiatives, ensuring effective resource allocation, reducing disruptions, and improving the overall sustainability of the campus infrastructure
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co-supervisor

INTERIOR DESIGN STYLES IN BENIN CITY: STUDY OF THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCES AND BUDGET

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What is interior design? It is the art, science, and business planning of a creative, technical, sustainable, and functional interior solution that corresponds to the architecture of a space, while incorporating process and strategy, a mandate for well-being, safety, and health, with informed decisions about style and aesthetics. An interior designer is on who manages The objective of the study is to find out where individual budgets and personaltastes tie in with various interior design styles and trends. The study aims to identify the already existing styles present in Benin City as well as highlight the styles ranging from the most pocket friendly styles to the ostentatious styles for individuals in Benin City.With a rise In the population of home owners over the years, either through inheritance or purchase, there are a number of individuals who are oblivious to the importance of interior design within Benin city, where there is still a saturation of old mud and zinc buildings with the most interesting thingsabout a typical house's interior being wood carved doors or ornaments, we take a dive into Benin society so as to uncover the reasons for the apathy towards style and aesthetics when it comes to decorating and designing a space. There is a clear lack of intentionality present among Residents of the city of Benin,when it comes to interior design.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

CRAFTING OF STUDIO WORKSHOP FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN AND COMMUNICATION SECTION

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The Graphic Design Studio is a standard workspace where all digital works are carried out effectively. However, this report shows that, unlike the Graphic Design Studio, a graphics workshop is very important for executing all manual jobs without causing chaos in the space. A personal study has shown that the Graphic Design studios were not configured for manual
jobs hence the need for a studio workshop. Therefore, the practical project aims to craft a Workshop studio in the Graphic Design Section of the Fine and Art Department, University of Benin. It is on this premise, therefore, that the 2022/2023 graphic design section students decided to take up the challenge of crafting a workshop studio to proffer a solution to the
issues of insufficient space, lack of appropriate tools, undermined creativity, inefficiency in carrying out practical works and procrastination of assignments. Through the crafting of a conducive and spacious workshop, all kinds of practical works can be done, ranging from of cutting of stencils to splashing of colors, dabbing of inks, framing of artworks, and so on. With the provision of workshop materials such as metal stools, wooden tables, metal tables, drawing tables, ceiling fans, electrical fittings, light box, metal windows, reinforcements and doors, it is expected that with these facilities put in place, the workshop will inspire present and future Graphic Design students to express and explore their inner creativity.
co-supervisor

THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON BUILDING DESIGNS.

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A sustainable design guide has a huge potential to enhance the sustainability of the built environment. This project work investigates the impact of climate change on building designs using two prominent areas in Benin City as case studies; The Centenary Celebration of Egedege N’ Okaro and National Museum, Benin City Edo State. The design and method of this study which is mostly observation and conclusion drawn. The population of the study are
basically conventional buildings methods, materials, and design concepts used in Benin City’s historical architectural style. The findings of this study shows that; Climate change is no longer a myth or subject for debate but rather a subject for action, there is a two way relationship between climate change and buildings, there is huge evidence of the negative impacts of climate change globally and particularly in Nigeria and there is very little
research activities in the subject of climate and buildings in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. Concluding that Nigeria to take up such challenges and embark on more research studies and as a result provide data as tangible evidence to argue for more government actions for the overall good of sustainable development in Nigeria. Thus, the research aim is achieved
with the formulation of a sustainable residential design framework. Also, all the research objectives and research questions were addressed as stated at different sections of this thesis, therefore recommending that it is necessary for the government to encourage active participation of the built environment professionals (stakeholders) on its policy formulation
teams in order to encourage interactions and collaborations, also there is the need for the Nigerian government to encourage institutionalised climate change initiatives at all tiers of government. In order to ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, control mechanism and implementation of climate change initiatives and lastly, there is the need to facilitate and quicken the actualization of the seemingly ‘comatose’ climate change policy draft and
thereafter, to carry out an immediate review in conjunction with professional representatives and other relevant stakeholders.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor

IMPACT OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM(GIS) ON PROPERTY VALUATION IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

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Property valuation is a critical component of the real estate industry, influencing transactions, investment decisions, taxation, and urban planning. Traditional valuation methods often rely on subjective judgment, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors. This study examines the impact of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) on property valuation, using Benin City as a case study. GIS integrates spatial data analysis with property valuation, enabling a more precise assessment of factors such as location, market trends, and environmental influences. The research employs a survey methodology, collecting data from estate surveyors and valuers to
evaluate GIS adoption, its benefits, and the challenges hindering its implementation. Findings reveal that GIS enhances valuation accuracy by improving data integration, visualization, and spatial analysis. However, challenges such as high implementation costs, lack of trained personnel, and data inconsistencies hinder its widespread adoption. The study concludes that GIS has the potential to revolutionize property valuation, provided
that stakeholders address the identified barriers through investment in training, infrastructure, and policy support.
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co-supervisor

LOCAL SOURCING AND UTILIZATION OF FLINT, BORAX, KAOLIN AND OTHER SUITABLE GLAZE RAW MATERIALS IN EDO STATE FOR LOW MELTING GLAZE

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This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing locally sourced flint, borax, kaolin and other suitable glaze raw materials in Edo State for the production of low-melting glazes. Consequently, sourcing and utilization of glaze suitable raw materials for formulation of low melting glaze at studio level has been problematic despite the significant role of glaze in ceramic production, scarcity and development of local glaze for use including dependance on imported glaze raw materials for glaze formulation have created the inability to glaze ceramic products in the ceramic unit of the Department of Fine and Applied Arts in the University of Benin. Effort was made with this study to bridge the foregoing goal by identifying and sourcing flint, borax, kaolin and other suitable glaze raw materials locally to formulate low melting glaze of 1050°c. The raw materials were characterized and formulated into glaze compositions. The glazes compositions were then applied to ceramic test tiles and were fired to different temperatures. The results show that the locally sourced raw materials can be used to produce low-melting glazes with desirable properties. The study demonstrates the potential for local sourcing and utilization of raw materials in Edo State, promoting Economic Development, Sustainability, and Innovation in the ceramic industries in Nigeria.
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co-supervisor

AN ASSESSMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS MAINTENANCE CULTURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

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This study assessed the maintenance culture of administrative buildings within the University of Benin (UNIBEN). The research aimed to identify the prevailing maintenance strategy, evaluate the factors influencing its practice, and highlight the associated challenges. A survey approach was adopted, targeting relevant maintenance personnel and facility users. Findings reveal that the maintenance culture in UNIBEN is predominantly reactive (breakdown maintenance), with minimal adherence to preventive maintenance protocols. Key challenges identified include inadequate and untimely release of maintenance funds, shortage of experienced technical manpower, use of sub-standard materials for repairs, and a lackadaisical attitude towards facility care by both staff and users. These factors contribute to the accelerated deterioration of the administrative structures. The study concludes that the absence of a proactive, well-funded, and organized maintenance culture compromises the functionality and lifespan of UNIBEN's administrative facilities. Recommendations emphasize the urgent need for a transition to a scheduled preventive maintenance program, improved budgetary allocations, and staff training to foster a more sustainable and effective maintenance culture.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor