, FACULTY OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

NIL

This study analyzed the nutritional and functional properties of moringa root, leaf, and seed including the awareness and utilization of the plant among different demographic groups inEdo State. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining laboratory analysis (quasi experimental design) and survey methods. The sample size for the study is 180, representing 10% of the population; 80 market women, 60 community men and 40 community youths. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content of moringa seeds and leaves. Additionally, the mineral composition of the leaves was examined to assess their micronutrient profile. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of public awareness and demographic differences (age and gender) regarding the nutritional and functional benefits of moringa. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.99. Findings from the study indicated that moringa is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (calcium 641.2mg/100, iron 18.14mg/100, phosphorus 71.1mg/100, potassium 26.1.1mg/100), proteins 27.61%, crude fat 2.5%, carbohydrate 47.09%, Ash content 9.25%, fibre fat 10.11% and antioxidants (Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and steriods. The functional properties of moringa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects, making it highly beneficial for human health. Despite these benefits, public awareness and utilization remain significantly low, particularly among younger demographics (15-20years). Indicating that the awareness increases significantly with age, (aged 45 and above). The study also revealed that moringa can serve as a viable alternative for addressing malnutrition (x̄= 2.86), terminal x ailments (x̄= 2.87), lactation (x̄= 2.93), cooking (x̄= 2.92), tea (x̄=3.13), improving food security, and enhancing economic development through commercial cultivation and product fortification. Based on these findings, the study recommended amongst others; increased public awareness campaigns, integration of moringa into government nutrition programs, promotion of large-scale cultivation, and encouragement of moringa-based industries for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals

The study is on improving agricultural production and financing through cooperative societies in the era of economic uncertainties. The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of cooperative societies in improving agricultural production and financing in the era of economic uncertainties. To guide the study, six research questions were raised. The study employs a descriptive survey research design, with a population of 3000 members from Faculty of Agriculture Cooperative, Benin City. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 150 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires, validated by three experts, the researcher administered the questionnaire personally and responses were collected on the spot and tested for reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.87. The analysis was conducted using mean and standard deviation, with a threshold of 2.5 for acceptance of responses. In the context of rising economic uncertainties, improving agricultural production and financing has become imperative for enhancing food security and supporting rural livelihoods. This explores the pivotal role of cooperative societies in fostering agricultural resilience and productivity. By facilitating collective action among farmers, cooperative societies can enhance access to resources, including loan, technology, and markets. This study examines the mechanisms through which cooperatives provide financial support and shared resources, enabling smallholder farmers to scale their operations and adopt innovative agricultural practices. Additionally, the study analyze the impact of cooperatives on risk management, particularly in volatile economic environments, by promoting diversification and collaborative marketing strategies. The findings suggest that strengthening cooperative frameworks can significantly improve agricultural efficiency and financial stability, ultimately contributing to sustainable development in the agricultural sector. This research underscores the importance of cooperative societies as a viable solution for overcoming challenges posed by economic uncertainties, thereby laying the foundation for a more resilient agricultural future.

This study investigated the Effects of Increase in Tuition Fees on Academic Performance and Business Education Students Enrollment in Tertiary Institutions in Edo State. The research was guided by two research questions. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all Business Education students at the University of Benin, from which a sample of twenty (20) students was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire, validated by three experts and proven reliable with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.76. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). The findings revealed that an increase in tuition fees influences students' academic performance to a high extent (Cluster Mean = 3.00), leading to reduced concentration, increased stress, and difficulty in purchasing learning materials. Furthermore, the increase in tuition fees influences student enrollment to a high extent (Cluster Mean = 3.19), acting as a significant barrier that discourages new students, causes delays in registration, and leads to dropouts. The study concluded that rising tuition fees are a critical challenge that impedes both access to and success in Business Education. It was recommended, among other things, that university management should expand financial aid programs and approach tuition hikes with caution, linking them to tangible improvements in facilities and student welfare.

This study investigated the influence of the student industrial work experience scheme (SIWES) on the acquisition of entrepreneurial and employability skills among business education students in Edo State. Specifically, the study examined how SIWES contributes to entrepreneurial skills, the extent to which it influences employability, the challenges students face during their placements, and the alignment of industrial training with the business education curriculum. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and the population of the study comprised all Business Education students in selected universities in Edo State, from which a sample of 39 respondents were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire based on a four-point rating scale was the main instrument for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.82, indicating that the instrument was reliable. The data collected were analyzed using mean (x) and standard deviation (SD). The findings generally showed that SIWES significantly contributes to the acquisition of entrepreneurial and employability skills, though students face challenges such as inadequate placement opportunities, poor supervision, and mismatch between tasks and curriculum content. The study concluded that SIWES plays a vital role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace practice. It was recommended that government, universities, and industries strengthen collaboration to improve placement quality, supervision, and alignment with the curriculum to maximize the benefits of SIWES for Business Education students to a high extent. It was concluded that SIWES influence the acquisition of entrepreneurial and employability skills among business education students in Edo State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that a more robust monitoring and evaluation framework should be implemented by SIWES supervisors to ensure students are actively engaged and properly supervised throughout their attachment, moving beyond mere observation to active participation.

This study examined Student Readiness for Artificial Intelligence and Automation Integration into Accounting Education in Public and Private Universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Four research questions were raised to guide the study and one hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level significance. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised two hundred and sixty-three (263) Accounting Education students from University of Benin (UNIBEN); Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma; Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO) and Benson Idahosa University, Benin City(BIU). The study employed a census sampling technique where the entire population of 263 Accounting Education students in the selected Public and Private Universities were used. The research instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was titled “Student Readiness for Artificial Intelligence and Automation Integration into Accounting Education Questionnaire (SRAIAIAE)”. The instrument for data collection was validated by the researcher's supervisor and two experts from the Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The instrument was administered to 20 students who were not part of the study population. The responses of the respondents were analyzed and a coefficient of 0.77 was obtained, which showed that the instrument was reliable. The findings revealed that Students are aware of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation technologies in Accounting and students are willing to adopt AI-driven accounting solutions to a high extent. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation significantly influenced Accounting Education in Public and Private Universities in Edo State, Nigeria. It was recommended among others that government should Government and private sector stakeholders should fund AI-driven accounting education initiatives in universities

This study examined the influence of Industrial Training Programme (ITP) skills on the employ ability opportunities of Business Education students in universities in Edo State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. The descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population comprised 213 Business Education undergraduate students from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and Ambrose Alli University (AAU), and because the population was manageable, a census was used. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire titled Influence of Industrial Training Programme Skills on Employability Opportunities of Business Education Students Questionnaire(IITPSEOBESQ). The instrument was validated by experts and reliability was established using Cronbach Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.70. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Findings revealed that communication skills, interpersonal skills, information and communication technology (ICT) skills, and technical and vocational skills acquired during industrial training all influence the employability opportunities of Business Education students to a high extent. The study concluded that industrial training significantly enhances students’ readiness for the labour market by equipping them with essential practical and soft skills needed for employment and career development. It was recommended that universities strengthen supervision of industrial training, improve partnerships with industries, and ensure students are placed in relevant organizations to enhance skill acquisition and employability outcomes.