FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Spectral methods have emerged as a powerful and highly accurate class of numerical techniques for solving partial differential equations (PDEs). Unlike traditional finite difference and finite element methods, spectral methods approximate solutions using global basis functions, such as Fourier series, Chebyshev polynomials, and Legendre polynomials, enabling exponential convergence for smooth problems. This work explores the mathematical foundation, implementation, and applications of spectral methods for solving PDEs. We discuss Fourier spectral methods for periodic problems and Chebyshev spectral methods for non-periodic domains, highlighting their spectral accuracy and efficiency. Furthermore, we analyze the advantages of spectral collocation and Galerkin methods in handling various boundary conditions and problem domains. Practical implementations are demonstrated through examples, including the heat equation, Poisson equation, and wave equation, showcasing the effectiveness of spectral discretization. Finally, we review recent advancements, including hybrid spectral methods, spectral element methods, and applications in scientific computing. The results illustrate the superiority of spectral methods in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency, making them a vital tool in modern numerical analysis for solving PDEs.

This project presents a detailed petrographic and geochemical study of granitic rocks in the IgarraUgbogbo area of Edo State Nigeria, within the Nigerian Basement Complex. In order to characterize the mineralogical composition, and interpret their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. To address the significant knowledge gaps in the understanding of this segment of the Pan-African orogenic belt using integrated field mapping with laboratory analysis, Five representative fresh samples (SJ01–SJ05) were collected and subjected to polarizing microscopy for petrographic study and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry for whole rock major and trace element geochemistry. Petrographic analysis reveals that the granites are medium to coarse grained with a hypidiomorphic granular texture, indicating slow plutonic cooling. Modal composition is dominated by quartz (21- 31%), plagioclase (31-35%), and microcline (20-26%), with biotite (7-10%) as the main mafic mineral. Minor hornblende, muscovite, and accessory zircon and opaque minerals are present. Textural features such as undulose extinction in quartz and sericitization of feldspars indicate post crystallization deformation and hydrothermal activity. Geochemical data classify the rocks as metaluminous to weakly peraluminous (ASI = 0.98-1.05), high-silica (69.23-71.44 wt. % SiO₂) granites with calc-alkaline affinity. They are enriched in Large Ion Lithophile Elements (LILE: e.g., Rb, Ba) and depleted in High-Field-Strength Elements (HFSE: e.g., Nb, Ta, Y), a signature characteristic of crustal-derived magmas. Trace element discrimination diagrams consistently plot the samples in the syn collision to post-collision granite fields. The integrated results lead to the conclusion that the Igarra granites are I-type granitoids formed primarily by partial melting of pre-existing crustal igneous rocks during the Pan-African Orogeny and their emplacement occurred in a post-collisional tectonic environment, accompanied by minor deformation and hydrothermal alteration. This study provides a crucial petrogenetic framework for the Igarra basement and contributes valuable data for understanding crustal evolution and mineral exploration potential in southwestern Nigeria.

This study evaluated the in-vitro antioxidant, in-vitro antidiabetic and phytochemical constituents of the methanolic leaves extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves. Fresh A. paniculata leaves were harvested from a local community, air-dried and extracted with methanol and fractionated. Phytochemical constituents, mineral and proximate composition, antioxidant activities, and α-amylase enzyme inhibitory potentials of the crude extract and fractions were determined using standard method. The crude extract and fractions of A. paniculata concentration-dependently scavenges 2,2-Diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with IC50 range of 45.23 - 93.26 μg/mL compared to 1.02 μg/mL of standard ascorbic acid and a range of 22.4 – 22.7 mMFeS/g for the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The crude extract and fractions also inhibited α -Amylase activity in a concentration-dependent manner within a range of 23.41– 48.85% against 30.79–45.63% for the standard (acarbose). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various phytochemicals in the crude extract. Further analysis of the crude extract with gas-chromatography revealed the presence of about 33 compounds. The total phenolics content was found to be within range of 26.63mg GAE/g to 50mg GAE/g, and total flavonoid between 31.96 mg QE/g to 46.15 mg QE/g. Proximate analysis revealed the moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, total ash, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract to be 6.97%, 8.62%, 4.03%, 6.33%, 27.67%, and 46.38% respectively. The anti- diabetic and antioxidant potentials of the plant and presence of phytochemicals infers that the effectiveness of A. paniculata as a medicinal plant could be due to the presence of various phenolics, antihyperglycemic and antioxidant compounds in the plant.

The Ugbowo-Ekenwan residential rental market is recognized for its severe fragmentation, lack of transparency, and an exposure to fraudulent activities. Renters frequently grapple with a disconnected, inefficient search process, encountering outdated property listings and a risk of scams. This project directly addresses this critical issue by focusing on the trust deficit and the absence of a reliable, centralized platform that can guarantee the authenticity of both the property and the landlord, which is the key gap in the current ecosystem. To overcome these challenges, this project proposes and develops a comprehensive, web-based platform dedicated to apartment search and rental management. It is designed to establish a single, trusted source for property listings by directly connecting verified landlords with prospective renters. The solution centralizes the rental process, providing a transparent alternative that minimizes the reliance on untrusted intermediaries and directly attacks the root cause of rental fraud. The platform was developed using a mixed-methods approach. This involved a detailed user requirements analysis to understand market gaps. Key technical features include an interactive Map-Based Search Interface for hyper-local filtering, a secure user and listing verification system managed by an Admin Portal, and a direct communication channel to ensure zero agent interference. This robust development process ensures the platform is not only functional but resilient to typical market risks. The successful implementation of the prototype demonstrates its ability to streamline the apartment search. The platform's core Trust System, which tracks property verification status from landlord submission through Admin inspection, verifying the listing's authenticity. In conclusion, the web-based apartment search platform provides a more efficient, transparent, and significantly more secure alternative to traditional rental processes, paving the way for a more reliable and trustworthy real estate ecosystem.

This study presents a detailed palynological analysis of subsurface well samples from the Araromi-2 well in the eastern Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria, to establish a biostratigraphic framework and interpret paleodepositional environments. 33 samples were recovered and ten (10) ditch cutting samples from depths of 830 ft to 1880 ft were processed using standard palynological techniques involving hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) acid digestion, heavy liquid separation, and microscopic examination. The analysis yielded a rich and diverse assemblage of palynomorphs, including spores, pollen, and dinoflagellate cysts. The stratigraphic distribution of key taxa such as Proxapertites operculatus, Retidiporites magdalenensis, Palaeocystodinium australinium, and Cyathidites minor enabled the recognition of the Palaeocystodinium australinium - Cyathidites minor Assemblage Zone. This zone indicates a Late Maastrichtian to Early Paleocene (Danian) age for the studied interval, correlating with the upper Araromi Formation. Palynofacies analysis revealed a vertical transition from amorphous organic matter (AOM)-dominated assemblages in the lower sections to phytoclast-rich assemblages upwards. This trend indicates a regressive sequence, transitioning from a shallow, anoxic marine environment to a marginal marine and finally a deltaic/coastal plain setting. The study concludes that the Araromi Formation records a critical phase of the basin's evolution across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. The findings refine the biostratigraphic zonation of the basin and underscore the value of integrated palynological and palynofacies studies in petroleum exploration and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

Solar energy is a renewable and abundant resource that holds immense potential for meeting the world's growing energy demand while mitigating climate change. Accurate assessment of solar radiation patterns and availability is crucial for the efficient deployment of solar energy technologies and the optimization of renewable energy systems.This research project aims to conduct a comprehensive solar panel/ solar inverter resource assessment in the University Of Benin Ugbowo, Nigeria, to evaluate the solar energy potential around it. The study employs an approach which involved integrating satellite data analysis, gotten from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to quantify solar irradiance levels and characterize solar radiation . The findings of this research project will provide valuable insights into the periods of best insolation and also environmental factors influencing solar resource availability in the University Of Benin.Most domestic appliances such as personal computers, television sets and lighting systems among others, operation has largely been controlled by hydro-electric power supply [National Grid]. This is not much a reliable source of energy due to the persistent power failure from our only reliable Nation Grid in the country, which has been the result of low water level in the dam(s) during harmattan season, faulty underground cables and transformer failures. Nigeria's energy sector is characterized by a dominance of fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation. The country's renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, remain largely untapped. This project seeks to contribute to the development of Nigeria's solar energy sector by designing, installing, and testing a solar powered energy system with an inverter.

This project was carried out to extract essential oil from the rhizome of Curcuma longa using the hydro-distillation method with a Clevenger apparatus. Curcuma longa is widely recognized for its medicinal uses, especially in India and other Asian cultures. The rhizomes are reported to contain essential oils with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, while much attention has been given to the medicinal value of turmeric, comparatively less focus has been placed on the processes of extracting its essential oil and systematically evaluating their outcomes. In this study, dried rhizomes were ground into powder and hydro-distilled. The essential oil obtained was yellowish with a strong aromatic odor. The GC-MS analysis revealed a variety of compounds in the oil, with phenylbutazone (19.34%) and 6-theothiophylline (19.01%) being the most significant constituents, along with some other minor compounds. The antimicrobial efficacy of the oil was evaluated against selected pathogenic fungal and bacterial isolates. The curcuma longa extract stopped the growth of several fungi (Aspergillus Niger, Trichophyton rubrum, Penicillium sp.) and bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus). However, it did not kill them at the tested concentration. Some microbes, like the bacteria Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas sp., and the fungus Aspergillus flavus, were not affected at all. Overall, this study shows that hydro-distillation method is a simple and effective method for obtaining turmeric essential oil at the laboratory scale. Characterizing its chemical profile and biological properties provides insight into its value and supports its potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and food preservation. These findings validate the medicinal use of curcuma longa and highlight its potential as a source of natural antimicrobial agents. The oil shows particular promise for applications targeting both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. This study provides a foundation for the further development of curcuma longa based natural preservatives.

This study examined solar radiation and ultraviolet (UV) index characterisation in Benin City, Nigeria, with a specific focus on the potential implications for skin cancer among exposed individuals. The research aimed to assess the intensity, variation, and temporal distribution of solar and UV radiation across different months and seasons using secondary data obtained from the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS). The analysis provided insights into the patterns of solar radiation exposure within the city, identifying periods of high UV intensity that coincide with greater risks of skin damage and related health effects. A comprehensive literature review explored the concept of solar radiation and the UV index, the global patterns of UV radiation exposure, and the biological effects (both beneficial and harmful) of ultraviolet radiation. The study highlighted the types of skin cancers commonly associated with UV exposure, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Empirical evidence from previous research reinforced the link between high UV radiation and increased incidence of skin cancer, particularly in tropical and high-altitude regions. Results from the CAMS data analysis revealed that Benin City experiences significant fluctuations in solar and UV radiation throughout the year, with peak values recorded during the dry season when cloud cover is minimal. These findings underscore the need for increased public awareness, protective measures, and policy interventions aimed at reducing the health risks associated with excessive solar exposure. The study concludes that continuous monitoring of solar radiation and UV index levels is essential for effective environmental health management. Recommendations include implementing UV index forecasts, promoting protective infrastructure, encouraging sunscreen use, and strengthening occupational health policies for outdoor workers. Overall, the research contributes valuable data and practical insights to the understanding of solar radiation dynamics and their public health implications in tropical urban environments like Benin City

This study investigates the impact of digital technology in teaching and learning computer science in secondary school. The study adopted the survey design on the basis of which data was sourced using questionnaire on a sample of 250 students in Benin Metropolis. The data was analysed using chi-square statistical tool. The result revealed that there is significant difference in the computer science teachers’ attitude towards the use of technology Tools. Secondly, the result shows that there is significant difference in the computer science students’ attitude towards the use of Technology Tools in learning. Similarly, the result indicated that there is no significant difference of self-efficacy in the use of Technology Tools in teaching of computer science. The result also shows that there is significant difference of self-efficacy in the use of Technology Tools in learning of computer science. The study recommends that since Technology Tools depends on power supply, the entire erratic power supply needs to be improved upon throughout the country. Also, school authority should improvise for alternative source of power supply such as generator set in case of power failure. More time should be allocated to the teaching of computer science on the time-table in our secondary schools so that there will be enough time for the teaching of computer science. Also, computer science teachers should not be too overwhelmed with too many assignments so that they will have time to plan technology enhanced classes. Teachers must be aware that for meaningful learning to take place, teacher- student interaction is an essential factor that must be strictly considered. It is therefore admonished that when integrating Technology Tools in computer science teaching, teachers should interact with the students while computer science teaching is going on.

Statistical quality characteristics of the components are determined process can be selected for manufacture of the components. In mass production, products are assembled using parts or components manufactured or processed on different process or machines. This requires complete interchangeability of parts while assembling them, on the other hand, there will always be variations in the quality characteristics [length, weight, thickness etc.] because of the inherit variability introduced by the machines, tools, raw materials and operators. The presence of unavoidable variation and the necessity of interchangeability require that some limits be specified for the variation for any quality characteristic. A statistical control and loss minimization approach is a way of using statistical methods to minimize the total cost of quality including the cost of the defects and cost of controlling the process. this approach involves setting quality standards, collecting data on product or services characteristics, analysing the data to detect problems and then correcting these problems. This approach also helps organization achieve the highest possible quality at the lowest possible cost. The need of Statistical quality control in product and services cannot be over emphasized, as it helps in the improvement of manufacturing process to meet customer satisfaction.