FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES

This study explores the multifaceted challenges hindering the effective implementation of the Land Use Charge (LUC) in Edo State, Nigeria. Effective property taxation is crucial for local government revenue generation and service delivery, yet its implementation often faces significant obstacles. Firstly, This research aims to identify these barriers, focusing on three key objectives. First, it seeks to pinpoint the primary challenges to LUC implementation, considering factors such as administrative capacity, data management, valuation methodologies, and collection mechanisms. Secondly, the study examines the influence of public awareness and understanding on taxpayer compliance. It investigates how public perception, knowledge of the LUC, and trust in government affect willingness to pay. Finally, the research analyzes the role of state governance in the LUC implementation process. This includes an assessment of the legal framework, institutional capacity, political will, and the level of transparency and accountability within the relevant government agencies. By addressing these objectives, this study aims to provide insights into the specific challenges facing Edo State's LUC implementation and offer potential recommendations for improvement, ultimately contributing to more effective revenue generation and sustainable level

The study aims to assess the level of adoption of alternative materials with a view to promoting the use of alternative construction materials. The population targets are Engineers, Quantity Surveyors, Builders and Architects, who are major stakeholders in the construction industry. The research method used was quantitative analysis, and a total of 185 responses were obtained. The findings demonstrate that materials with proven performance, familiarity, and accessibility dominate adoption, while innovative bio-based and agro-waste materials remain underexploited. Addressing cultural biases, enhancing public education, developing local processing infrastructure, and implementing supportive policies are essential for promoting sustainable construction practices in Edo State.Innovative materials such as rice husk, palm kernel shells, coconut coir, hemp, and sheep wool should besupported through pilot programs and research to build confidence in their performance. For enhancing the level of adoption, educational campaigns and technical training to increase knowledge of the benefits and proper use of alternative materials,
development of local processing facilities and supply chain

This research examines the role of property managers in enhancing tenant satisfaction and retention in commercial properties in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, with particular focus on Nnebisi Road as a case study. The study sought to identify the key management practices that influence tenant satisfaction, assess the impact of property managers on tenant retention, and highlight the challenges encountered in the course of property management. A survey research design was adopted. Data were obtained through the administration of structured questionnaires to 50 commercial tenants on Nnebisi Road, Asaba, and 21 Estate Surveyors and Valuers across Delta State. The responses were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to establish patterns of tenant satisfaction and professional management practices. The findings reveal that tenants are largely influenced by the responsiveness of property managers to complaints, regular maintenance of facilities, security provisions, and fairness in rental policies. Property managers who consistently provided these services recorded higher levels of tenant satisfaction and long-term occupancy. However, challenges such as inadequate funding for maintenance, poor communication, and lack of
modern management technologies hindered optimal performance.

This study investigated the various applications of glass in construction to educate readers on the social, economic, and environmental advantages of using glass in Nigeria's construction sector. The study examined how glass has been used in most of Nigeria’s building design and construction sector. Although glass has played a significant role in the construction industry and has to a large extent improved the quality of buildings, there is still a great deal of unrealized potential that can be used in construction for novel purposes. Therefore, to broaden people's perspectives and educate them about the significance of glass in daily life, the research compared the usage of glass in the local area to a building internationally acclaimed in the aspects of function, aesthetics and the sometimes- overlooked structural capabilities of glass.

Flooding brought on by excessive rainfall is one of the frequently occurring and widely reported disasters affecting human existence. The purpose of this study is to create flood risk maps of Ikpoba Okha which can be used for predicting the level of vulnerability due to rapid urban development taking place in recent times. The procedure to achieve this involved using the method of Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. Among the fundamental datasets requirements for the project were: cloud-free high-resolution satellite images, SRTM DEM data, FAO soil data, rainfall data, etc. Maps of flood-enhancing elements, such as
flood risk vulnerability mapping, were created in Geographic Information Systems using the same scale of 1: 200,000 and geographic coordinate system (WGS 1984 UTM zone 31N). This multiparametric technique includes rainfall distribution, elevation and slope, drainage network and density, land use/land cover, and soil type, among other flood determinants. All the output raster maps
were first ranked using the "Weighted Linear Combination" method with a grid cell size of 0.0028 mm before being sent for Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). The computation of the consistency ratio at an acceptable level of 0.055 further confirmed the model's validity. Additionally, the research found topography and rainfall as the most significant factors contributing to floods in Benin City.

This study investigates the maintenance culture and its impact on public office buildings in Oredo, Benin City, Nigeria. Using a descriptive survey design with staff from the Oredo secretariat's maintenance department, the study found that the state of maintenance of public buildings is very poor and users have negative perceptions towards maintenance. Key strategies
identified to enhance maintenance culture include establishing a dedicated maintenance team, increasing budgets, regular inspections, public education, and stricter penalties for vandalism. Additional strategies include performance-based contracts, technology-driven solutions, clear maintenance standards, sustainability principles, and staff training. Implementing these
recommendations can significantly improve the condition of public buildings and user perceptions.

This research project, titled "Examining the Causes of Construction Project Failure in Edo State," seeks to shed light on the underlying factors contributing to project failures by examining the factors responsible for the failure of projects, the effect of project failures and offer solution that mitigates the issues of construction project failure within the context of Edo State, Nigeria. This study employs a comprehensive research methodology, including literature review, questionnaires were sent out as a method of data collection, and analysis of construction projects in Edo State. By investigating a wide range of projects across various scales and sectors, this research aims to identify common causes of failure specific to the region. Potential factors under scrutiny include inadequate planning, budgetary constraints, regulatory issues, poor project management, and environmental challenges. The findings from this research will not only enhance our understanding of the construction industry in Edo State but will also serve as a valuable resource for stakeholders, policymakers, and project managers. By pinpointing the root causes of project failures, this study aims to provide actionable insights that can lead to improved project outcomes, reduced costs, and enhanced overall efficiency in construction endeavors within Edo State and beyond. Ultimately, this research contributes to the advancement of construction project management practices and the sustainable development of the region.

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

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.

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.