FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCE

This project work provides an overview on the application of linear algebra to artificial intelligence including natural language processing and machine learning. We discuss how linear algebra operations such as matrices, linear transformations, eigen values and eigen vectors, are used to optimize AI models, analyze complex data structures and enable efficient computation. Beginning with an overview of fundamental concepts in linear algebra, such as vectors, matrices, and linear transformations, the study delves into specific applications of these concepts in AI. One key area of focus is machine learning, where linear algebra forms the backbone of algorithms for tasks such as regression analysis, and principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction. This work also showcases the versatility of linear algebra by delving deep into the various reaches of linear algebra into many other fields and areas of study such as economics, physics and engineering.

This project presents an integrated 3D seismic interpretation and identification of hydrocarbon prospects of Yeager Field, which is located within the prolific Niger Delta Basin of Nigeria. There search has been performed using high-resolution 3D seismic data, integrated with well-login formation provided by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to identify subsurface structural and stratigraphic features that are relevant to hydrocarbon accumulation. A comprehensive fault mapping, horizon interpretation, seismic-to-well tie, velocity modeling, and depth conversion were undertaken and complemented by seismic attribute analysis comprising RMS amplitude, maximum amplitude, average energy, and average magnitude attributes. Thirty five (35) faults were identified dominated by growth faults, rollover anticlines, and synthetic-antithetic fault systems typical of the extensional regime of the Niger Delta. Several structural closures with trapping potential were identified from the time and depth structure maps, while seismic attributes indicated amplitude anomalies that suggested the presence of hydrocarbon in the reservoir sands of the Agbada Formation. The seismic-to-well tie provided a reliable time-depth relationship that increased the accuracy of horizon correlation by more than forty percent. The results indicate that fault-assisted closures, especially the rollover anticlines resulting from the growth faults, are the primary trapping mechanism in the field. Potential hydrocarbon prospects have been delineated using this integrated approach, providing a robust geological framework for future exploration and development planning in the study area. The importance of advanced 3D seismic interpretation in reducing exploration risk and optimizing hydrocarbon recovery in the complex structural setting of the Niger Delta Basin cannot be overemphasized.

The petrographic and mineralogical analysis of siliciclastic and carbonate facies within the southeastern Dahomey Basin, Nigeria, was studied with the aim of interpreting their provenance, depositional environment, diagenetic evolution, and reservoir potential. Thirty three samples were collected and analyzed. Analysis involved X-ray diffraction (XRD) for mineralogical characterization and thin-section petrography for micro-structural and textural evaluation. Six representative samples were analyzed, comprising three siliciclastic units from depths of 1610– 1870 ft and three carbonate units from 730–930 ft across two wells within the study area. The siliciclastic samples are dominated by quartz, feldspar (orthoclase and albite), and muscovite, indicating derivation from granitic and gneissic sources of the Precambrian Basement Complex. Moderate textural maturity and the presence of albitized feldspars suggest limited reworking and shallow burial diagenesis. The carbonate samples, composed mainly of bioclastic and peloidal packstones to wackestones, reflect shallow-marine to outer shelf depositional settings, influenced by mixed carbonate–siliciclastic sedimentation during transgressive phases. Diagenetic features such as sparry calcite cementation, muscovite preservation, and feldspar albitization point to a multi-stage, low-thermal diagenetic history under closed-system conditions. High quartz content, low clay development, and early marine cementation collectively indicate moderate to good reservoir quality, with porosity largely preserved by mechanical rather than chemical processes. The results of petrography and mineralogy of Siliciclastics and Carbonate facies in Southeastern Dahomey Basin revealed that the units are potential for hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs.

n the research of Determining the size and geometry of the universe, we noticed some challenges. It is challenging to estimate the size and shape of the universe. Sheer scale means that light from distant areas has not had time to reach us, truncating observations. Further, the accelerating expansion due to dark energy complicates measurement. Dark matter, which is unseen, affects the universe's gravitational structure in a complex way. It is hard to measure distances due to enormous scales and the need for calibration. Observations rely on visible matter and radiation, so the picture is incomplete and uncertain. In determining the size and geometry of the universe relies on important methods. Astronomers observe cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation for data about its structure. They use large-scale structures like the distribution of galaxies to comprehend the universe's shape. Techniques like redshift surveys quantify the expanding universe through light from distant galaxies to determine distances and scale. Gravitational lensing, with deflection of light by massive bodies, indicates where visible and dark matter are. Combining these methods with theoretical models, scientists can develop a coherent picture of the universe's size and shape. From integrating data from these diverse approaches, we were able to determine the value of the parameters for the scale factor of the universe (a), the curvature of space (k), Hubble's constant (H). I was able to calculate to get the value for the scale factor of the universe (a) to be 9 × 1010 light years, and for the value for k which is the curvature of space, to be 1. When k is 1, the universe will be spherical. And also, for the value of the Hubble’s constant to be 69.8km/s/mpc.

The Student Grievance Application is a web-based system developed to simplify and modernize the process of lodging, managing, and resolving student complaints in educational institutions. The traditional manual grievance-handling methods are often time-consuming, prone to data loss, and lack transparency. This project aims to overcome these limitations by providing an automated, efficient, and transparent platform where students can submit grievances, track their status, and receive timely feedback. The system is designed with a user-friendly interface that allows students to categorize their complaints such as academic issues, staff behavior, infrastructure, or administrative concerns and submit them securely. Administrators and grievance officers can then review, respond, and update complaint statuses through an integrated management panel. The application also maintains a centralized database for recordkeeping, monitoring trends, and generating analytical reports for institutional decision-making. The system was implemented using modern web technologies including HTML, CSS, JavaScript for the front end, PHP or Python for the back end, and MySQL for data storage. Security features such as authentication, authorization, and data validation were incorporated to protect user information. Overall, the Student Grievance Application enhances communication between students and the institution’s management, promotes accountability, and ensures a more transparent and efficient grievance redressal process

Attendance management in academic tertiary institutions is a critical administrative task that directly impacts the credibility of academic records. Traditional methods such as manual roster calls, paper-based attendance sheets, and ID card verification have proven inefficient, timeconsuming, and vulnerable to impersonation attendance fraud. This project highlights the necessity for automated attendance systems using modern technologies such as biometric verification, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tracking, and facial recognition. Considering the operational constraints and specific requirements of the University of Benin, Department of Computer Science, this project proposes a Web-Based Facial Recognition Attendance System as an optimal solution. The project focuses on implementing a functional prototype of the facial recognition attendance system, where students register their facial biometrics during enrollment and subsequently mark attendance by scanning their faces via a web-based application. The system follows an objectoriented approach to system analysis and design, utilizing use case diagrams, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams to model the system architecture. These designs form the foundation for a system capable of handling the complete attendance process from student authentication to generating real-time attendance reports for courses offered by the Department of Computer Science. The key features of this attendance system include real-time face detection, liveness verification to prevent bypass attempts, and geolocation validation to ensure attendance is marked within authorized locations. The system also provides administrative dashboards for attendance monitoring and analytics. By implementing this solution, the University of Benin would probably have achieved a more secure, efficient, and fraud-resistant attendance management system compared to conventional methods

Aseni clay was obtained from Kogi State, Nigeria. Adsorption studies of Iron (III) ions (Fe3+) was carried out on the clay and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was employed in analysis of equilibrium concentration of Fe3+ions in aqueous solution. Batch experiment involving varied initial concentration adsorbent dosage, contact time and pH were conducted. quilibrium data showed that as initial Fe3+ concentration increased from 10 to 50 mg·L-¹ the adsorption capacity increased from 0.96 to 3.62 mg·g-¹ while percentage removal decreased from 95.7% to 72.4%, indicating progressive site saturation at higher loadings. Increasing the adsorbent mass from 0.2 to 1.0 g (per 100 mL) improved removal efficiency from 57.67% to 83.23%, demonstrating the positive effect of greater available surface sites. Contact time produced rapid initial uptake, with the amount adsorbed rising from 22.97 mg·L -¹ at 5 min to 26.03 mg·L-¹ at 120 min and percentage removal from 76.57% to 86.77%, indicating approach to equilibrium within the experimental timeframe. pH trials (4–9, initial concentration 100 mg·L-¹) returned very high removal (>99%); however, experimental notes indicated Fe hydrolysis/precipitation during base addition which likely affected measured concentrations and must be considered when interpreting pH-dependent results. Equilibrium modelling revealed strong fits to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, with a marginally better fit to the Freundlich model (R² = 0.9815 versus Langmuir R² = 0.979), consistent with adsorption on a heterogeneous surface. Kinetic analysis showed that the pseudo-second-order model provided an excellent description of the adsorption behaviour (linear t/qt versus t relationship; very high R²), suggesting that chemisorption and surface complexation are dominant rate-controlling steps. The findings indicate that Aseni clay is a viable, low-cost adsorbent for Fe +³ removal under the tested laboratory conditions, especially at low to moderate contaminant concentrations, while highlighting the need for care in pH control to avoid precipitation artefacts and for further work on regeneration and real-waste testing.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) is a medicinal plant grown in different countries, including India, Africa, Thailand and Mexico. It is known as zobo in Nigeria, Jamaica flowers, Sorrel and Karkade (in Egypt), and is a member of the Malvaceae family. It can be used as a colorant for foods, flavoring for sauces, jellies, marmalades and soft drinks. The study researched the phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity profile of the ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa stem in mice. Phytochemical screening was done using standard and qualitative methods to identify the presence of bioactive compounds. The acute toxicity assessment followed OECD guidelines, where mice were given increasing doses of the extract, and mortality was recorded. The phytochemical evaluation showed the presence of Glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and phenolic compounds, which
are known for their therapeutic benefits. The acute toxicity study showed no mortality at doses up to 1600 mg/kg, while a slight toxicity effect (16.66% mortality) was observed at 2900 mg/kg. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa stem is relatively safe at moderate doses and contains bioactive compounds that may contribute to its therapeutic potential.

The persistence of atrazine in agricultural runoff and groundwater has raised serious environmental and public health concerns due to its chemical stability and resistance to conventional water treatment methods. This study investigates the synthesis, modification, characterization, and adsorption performance of zinc–aluminum layered double hydroxide (Zn–Al LDH) and its disodium EDTA-modified derivative for the removal of atrazine from aqueous solutions. The Zn–Al LDH was synthesized by the coprecipitation method at a Zn²⁺:Al³⁺ molar ratio of 3:1 under alkaline conditions and aged at 110 °C. Modification with disodium EDTA was achieved via anion exchange, producing a hybrid adsorbent with enhanced surface functionality and interlayer chemistry. Characterization with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA) confirmed the formation of a highly crystalline and thermally stable Zn–Al LDH structure. FTIR spectra revealed new carboxylate bands at 1600 cm⁻¹ and 1390 cm⁻¹, indicating successful EDTA incorporation, while XRD patterns showed an expansion of basal spacing from 7.6 Å to 9.8 Å, signifying effective interlayer modification XRF analysis indicated a significant increase in aluminum content and compositional uniformity after modification, confirming Zn–Al integration. Batch adsorption studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of contact time and adsorbent dosage on atrazine uptake. The adsorption process exhibited a pattern, characterized by a rapid initial phase attributed to surface adsorption followed by a slower diffusion-controlled phase. Increased adsorbent dosage enhanced the removal efficiency due to the greater availability of active sites. The EDTA-modified Zn–Al LDH demonstrated superior adsorption capacity compared to the unmodified form, owing to improved surface reactivity and functional group availability. overall, the study establishes that EDTA modification enhances the structural integrity, surface chemistry, and adsorption performance of Zn–Al LDH, positioning it as a promising low-cost and eco-friendly material for the remediation of atrazine-contaminated water.

This study investigates the extraction and acetylation of cellulose from Sporobolus pyramidalis, commonly known as Giant Rat Tail Grass, an abundant yet underutilized plant species. Cellulose was extracted through a series of chemical treatments, including alkali and bleaching processes, to remove lignin, hemicellulose, and other non-cellulosic components. The extracted cellulose was
characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which showed peaks closely matching those of commercial cellulose. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also employed to confirm the structure of the extracted cellulose. The cellulose was then acetylated using acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid to enhance its thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and solubility. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful acetylation, with peaks closely aligning with those of commercial cellulose acetate. The acetylated cellulose exhibited improved properties, including enhanced solubility in organic solvents and thermoplasticity, making it suitable for use in bioplastics, coatings, and other biodegradable materials. This research highlights the potential of Sporobolus pyramidalis as a renewable source of cellulose and contributes to the development of sustainable, biomass- based materials.