FACULTY LIFE SCIENCE

Many regions of the world have ferruginous soils, which lack magnesium. Magnesium is a crucial component for plant growth, and a lack of it can result in lower quality and yields. Numerous potential advantages of nanoparticles for plant growth have been demonstrated, including higher nutrient uptake, improved photosynthesis, and increased resistance to pests and diseases. Magnesium nanoparticles (MgNPs) have been shown to enhance plant growth in other types of soils, but their effects on maize growth in ferruginous soils have not been studied effectively. This study investigated the potential effects of magnesium anoparticles on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) in ferruginous soil. In this study, potted maize plants were grown in a controlled environment, with varying concentrations of magnesium nanoparticles applied to the ferruginous soil. The growth parameters assessed in this research study include: plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and stem girth. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of magnesium nanoparticles to reduce the negative effects of magnesium deficiency in ferruginous soils. The observed enhancements in maize growth were most likely caused by the nanoparticles' capacity to deliver a regulated release of magnesium ions into the soil environment.
To identify the best application rates, potential long-term impacts, and interactions of magnesium nanoparticles with other soil components, additional research is required.

Academic activities were suspended in public tertiary institutions and other schools around the world, including Nigeria, due of the Covid-19 pandemic. Online education has brought a new reality to the academic system. This study evaluated the difficulties faced by learners who participated in online courses during the Covid-19 outbreak in Nigeria. Three classes each were organized using the video conferencing software for students of the Department of Optometry, University of Benin. The next step was for them to freely evaluate the lectures and the lecturer while observing the difficulties and achievements. An online survey that was utilized to compile and populate the study's responses was examined. Ninety-six (96) students studying optometry provided answers to the survey. The study was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social
Sciences version (SPSS) 22.0. A study of the statistical data revealed that online lectures
considerably increased students' understanding of the homework. In conclusion, the difficulties
included an abnormal power supply, a lack of internet access, and low student motivation. This
study recommends that online lectures should be introduced, a good internet capable phone
should be mandated to be gotten by the students and the students should have an alternate power
supply rather than depend on power companies

Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) is a widely utilized medicinal plant globally, that
holds significant recognition in traditional medicine systems. This plant has been
studiedfor its wide range of pharmacological properties including, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-microbial, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-immunosuppressive properties anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antipyretic, antiretroviral, antivenom, cardioprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. In this research, the aqueous and ethanol extract of the leaves and stem bark of Andrographis paniculata was qualitatively and quantitively analysed, to determine its phytochemical composition. The qualitative analysis carried out between the aqueous and ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata showed positive for saponin, tannin, phenol, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, proanthocyanidin and terpenoids which are phytochemicals responsible for the plant’s ethnomedicinal uses. Although these phytochemicals are present in both extracts, Flavonoids (66 QE/g), Phenol (78 GAE/g), Tannin (54 TAE/g) and Proanthocyanidin (174 mgAAE/g) were found in higher concentration in the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata than the ethanol extract. This clearly indicates that the aqueous extract of Andrographis paniculata is more advantageous for herbal medicine practice. Upon statistical analysis it was concluded that though the level of flavonoids, proanthocyanidin, tannins and phenol were more higher in the aqueous extract than ethanol extract though, there was no significant difference (p ≥ 0.05) between these extracts, suggesting that the solvent ethanol was just as effective in the extraction of these phytochemicals when compared with the aqueous solvent.

The presence of petroleum-derived compounds in the soil constitutes a significant threat to soil health and agricultural productivity. In the search for the environmentally friendly approach in the bioremediation strategies for restoration of soil health, cassava mill effluent (CME) provides an accessible, available and affordable nutrient-rich organic biowaste of cassava processing for the application of organic amendment and a sustainable biostimulant for restoration of soil health. This study investigated the efficiency of CME as a source of organic nutrients in the biorestoration of hydrocarbon degraded soil for a sustainable bioremediation strategy. This was achieved by polluting clean soil, collected and weighed into containers, with spent lubricating oil (SLO) as the source of petroleum hydrocarbon at 10% (w/w), amended with CME at 2.5% (v/w) at different frequency of daily, weekly, monthly and once for a period of six months but the control soil was not treated. The percentage changes in the quality of the amended soil were monitored at 3 and 6 months periods. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) were grown on the amended soils at the end of the treatment to evaluate recovery of soil quality and function. Baseline data were collected at the start of the study, and others at 3 and 6 months. For physicochemical changes in the soil, the following parameters were analysed: Soil texture, pH, cation exchange capacity (K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+), electrical conductivity (EC), total petroleum hydrocarbon (THC), and metals (Fe, Zn, Pb). Nitrogen (N2) and Phosphorus (P) contents, total organic carbon (TOC) and organic matter (OM) were also analysed. The biological activities assessed include the activities of soil enzymes (urease, phosphatase, dehydrogenase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolase and glucosidase), and microbial load

This study investigates the concentration of selected heavy metals—lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni)—in commonly consumed fruits sold in urban markets within Benin City, Nigeria, with the aim of assessing their safety and potential health risks to consumers. Urban agriculture, while vital for food security and nutrition, faces contamination challenges from industrial emissions, vehicular activities, and waste mismanagement that lead to heavy metal accumulation in soils and crops. Fruit samples including mangoes, oranges, bananas, pawpaw, and pineapples is analysed for heavy metal concentrations and compared against international safety standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Human health risk assessment models is applied to estimate potential non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with fruit consumption. The study seeks to identify possible sources of contamination, provide
evidence-based insights into the safety of urban-grown fruits, and guide policymakers, regulators, and consumers in promoting safer urban agricultural practices and protecting public health.

This study was carried out to assess the effects of cassava and maize effluents, on the growth of two freshwater microalgae (Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii). Cassava and maize effluent from agro-processing facilities produces large quantities of wastewater. The test algae were grown in seven concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%), which were set up in triplicates. Growth response of the test microalgae was monitored at two-day intervals for 14 days using a visible spectrophotometer (Model No. HV-721). The growth rate, percentage inhibition, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were computed using Microsoft excel software. Physicochemical parameters such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solid (TDS) were also determined. The results indicated that the growth response of Scenedesmus ecornis and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii increased with the increasing concentrations of cassava and maize effluent. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that the growth response was statistically significant (p < 0.05) among the various concentrations for both species. Overall, Scenedesmus ecornis recorded higher biomass relative to Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Dry weight of Scenedesmus ecornis recorded the highest biomass of 398.53mg/L, 331.93mg/L, 306.86mg/L, 362.9mg/L, 175.55mg/L, 123.75mg/L and 85.28mg/L at 100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, 10%, 5% and 0% concentrations respectively. Percentage inhibition result revealed that both microalgae had a stimulatory response to the effluents. This stimulatory response was found to follow a concentration gradient with increased stimulation as effluent concentration increased. Scenedesmus reached -450% inhibition at the highest concentration (100%), while Chlamydomonas peaked at -330% at 100% concentration, this makes Scenedesmus ecornis a better candidate for a successful bioremediation. Results of the physicochemical parameters showed a concentration dependent relationship. pH was observed to decrease with increasing concentration across effluent medium. Based on the findings in this study, it can be deduced that both test microalgae can be utilized for the bioremediation of cassava and maize effluent polluted areas.

Point of Sale (POS) terminals have become a common feature of commercial transactions in urban environments such as Benin city, Edo State, Nigeria. This study was aimed at investigating the microbial contamination, bacterial diversity and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of microorganisms isolated from Point of Sale (POS) machines keypads within Medical Junction to New Benin Market axis of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Twenty POS machines were randomly sampled using sterile swab sticks and the samples were analyzed using standard microbiological procedures and biochemical tests for bacterial Identification. The total heterotrophic counts ranged from 3.3 x 10³ to 9.9 x 10³. Antibiotics susceptibility pattern of the bacteria isolated was performed using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method Four main bacterial genera were isolated and identified: Escherichia coli (32.5 %), Neisseria spp. (27.5 %), Staphylococcus spp. (20 %), and Streptococcus spp. (20 %). E. coli showed the
highest prevalence with ( 32.5 % ) Antibiotic susceptibility testing, performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method, revealed high resistance to β-lactam antibiotics such as ampicillin, augmentin, and ampiclox, while the isolates exhibited greater sensitivity to fluoroquinolones including ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and levofloxacin. The findings confirm that POS terminals in Benin City serve as potential reservoirs for pathogenic and ugresistant bacteria, posing significant public health risks, particularly in densely populated commercial settings. Regular disinfection of POS devices, improved hand hygiene among operators and customers, and public awareness campaigns on microbial contamination are recommended to mitigate the spread of infectious agents and antimicrobial resistance.

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, particularly among children under ten years of age who are highly susceptible to infection. This study analyzed secondary malaria testing data from two primary health centres which are Ebelle Primary Healthcare Centre and Eguare Primary Healthcare Centre in Igueben Local Government Area (LGA), Edo State,
covering the period January 2024 to April 2025. The objectives were to determine the total number of children under ten recorded as tested, the total number recorded positive, the monthly prevalence rates, and to identify seasonal trends in malaria transmission. Data were extracted from facility registers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with prevalence computed as (number positive ÷ number tested) × 100. Across both health centres, a total of 647 children under ten were recorded as tested, of which 517 (79.9%) tested positive for malaria parasites. At the facility level, Ebelle PHC recorded a prevalence of 73.3%, while Eguare PHC recorded 85.6%. Monthly prevalence varied between 56% and 100%, with the highest values recorded in March and April 2024 (Ebelle PHC) and June 2024 and March 2025 (Eguare PHC), corresponding to periods of intense rainfall and increased mosquito breeding. Both facilities showed sustained high transmission during the rainy and dry seasons, ndicating year-round endemicity. The findings demonstrate that malaria remains highly prevalent among children under ten in Igueben LGA. Strengthening preventive strategies such as consistent use of insecticide-treated nets, improved community awareness, environmental management to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, and continuous surveillance at health facilities are recommended to reduce malaria burden in the area.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a progressive, non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that is associated with urinary obstruction, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and systemic hematological disruptions. Due to the side effects and high costs of conventional therapies, there is growing interest in medicinal plants such as Picralima nitida, which has traditionally been used to treat urinary tract disorders and inflammation. This study investigates the effects of an extract from the stem bark of Picralima nitida on hematological parameters and prostate health in male albino rats with testosterone-induced BPH. Fresh stem bark of Picralima nitida was collected, shade-dried, pulverized, and extracted using distilled water through decoction. The rats were divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each: a normal control group, a BPH-induced control group, a group was given Testosterone Pionate and standard, a group was treated with the standard medication finasteride, and two groups receiving different oral doses of the stem bark extract for a set treatment period. BPH was induced using subcutaneous testosterone propionate. Hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) count, hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) count, platelet count, and differential leukocyte indices, were measured using automated hematology procedures. Prostate weight, prostate index, and histopathological examinations were performed to assess prostate architecture and inflammation. The results showed that BPH induction led to a significant decrease in RBC indices and an increase in WBC counts and the prostate index compared to the normal control group. Treatment with the Picralima nitida extract significantly improved parameters related to anemia, reduced the elevation of inflammatory leukocyte counts, and resulted in a marked decrease in the prostate index and tissue hyperplasia, similar to the effects of finasteride, in a dosedependent manner. This study concludes that the stem bark of Picralima nitida has promising hepatoprotective and anti-BPH effects, supporting its potential as a safe and affordable phototherapeutic alternative for managing BPH and minimizing associated ematological complications

Groundwater and borehole water remain a vital source of drinking water in many Nigerian cities, yet their quality is often compromised by physicochemical and microbial contamination. This study assessed the physicochemical and bacteriological analysis on water sources in University of Benin Ekenwan Campus Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of eighteen water samples
were collected from six hostel locations including Notre Dame, Uniben Table Water, Bore-hole source Water, Boy’s hostel, Postgraduate hostel, and Girl’s hostel, and analysed using the method of A.O.A.C. The microbiological analysis was analysed using standard microbiological methods. The results revealed that physicochemical analysis revealed that pH values of the
water ranged between 4.58 and 6.38, falling below the FEPA acceptable limit of 6.5–8.5. Most physicochemical parameters analysed were below permissible limits, however, iron (0.56–1.06 mg/L) and chromium (0.10–0.25 mg/L) exceeded the FEPA limits of 0.3 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively. Microbiological results showed high contamination across hostel water samples. Presumptive coliform counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.83×10⁴ cfu/ml (Boys hostel), aerobic bacterial counts ranged from 6.67×10³ cfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 8.67×10⁴ cfu/ml (Postgraduate hostel), while fungal counts ranged from 1.00×10¹ sfu/ml (Notre Dame) to 2.00×10² sfu/ml (Boys hostel). The microbial results exceeded WHO and FEPA permissible
standards. Identified bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Klebsiella aerogens, Enterobacter aerogens and Chromobacterium violaceum, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum audouinii. Among bacteria, K. aerogens had the highest occurrence (21.9 %)
while A. hydrophila had the least occurrence (9.4 %). Among fungi, A. flavus (35.7%) was the most frequently occurring, while M. audouinii (14.3 %) had the lowest occurrence. Antibiotic sensitivity testing before plasmid curing showed multidrug resistance across isolates. Staphylococcus aureus displayed resistance to amoxicillin, augmentin, pefloxacin, azithromycin, and ceftriaxone, with the highest multidrug resistant index (MDRI) of 0.8. Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterobacter aerogens each had an MDRI of 0.5, while Corynebacterium spp. and Chromobacterium violaceum exhibited MDRI values ranging from 0.2 to 0.3. After plasmid curing, resistance was lost in several isolates, with A. hydrophila, S. aureus, Corynebacterium spp., P. fluorescens, K. aerogens and C. violaceum showing susceptibility to tested antibiotics. This study demonstrated that while physicochemical parameters of water sources in Ekenwan Campus were largely within permissible limits except for iron and chromium, the
microbiological quality was grossly compromised. The detection of multidrug resistant organisms, both plasmid-mediated and chromosomal, highlights the public health risk associated with these water sources. The findings confirm that water supplied in these hostels is unsafe for direct consumption and requires adequate treatment and disinfection to reduce risks of waterborne infections and antibiotic-resistant outbreaks in the student community