NIL

The rising issue of domestic wastewater pollution, mainly from heavy metals and organic pollutants, poses significant risks to public health and environmental sustainability in Nigeria. Traditional treatment methods are often costly and energy-intensive, emphasising the need for affordable, eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigated the use of Picralima nitida stem bark residue as a sustainable biosorbent for removing iron (Fe3⁺), zinc (Zn²⁺), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total dissolved solids (TDS) from domestic wastewater. The research focused on evaluating the adsorption efficiency, identifying optimal conditions, modelling the underlying mechanisms, and comparing the cost-effectiveness to commercial activated carbon. The study conducted an experimental investigation using batch adsorption tests in controlled laboratory conditions. P. nitida bark residue was washed, oven-dried, ground, and chemically activated before analysis. The adsorbent was characterised through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface analysis. Parameters such as dosage, contact time, temperature, and pH were systematicallys varied to evaluate performance. Additionally, Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models were employed to interpret the equilibrium data. A cost analysis was also performed to assess the economic viability of the adsorbent. The results indicated that adsorption efficiency increased with longer contact time and stabilised after 90 minutes. The highest removal rates were 100% for Fe3⁺, 99.60% for Zn²⁺, 98.90% for COD, and 89.97% for TDS at near-neutral pH and ambient temperature. The equilibrium data conformed to the Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9940), indicating monolayer adsorption. Economically, the treatment cost was ₦19.50 per litre, which is roughly 30–40% lower than that of commercial activated carbon. The study concludes that Picralima nitida stem bark residue is an effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable biosorbent for domestic wastewater treatment, supporting Nigeria’s initiatives in sustainable waste utilisation and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

This study evaluated social media as a communication tool for promoting effective public relations among organisations in Benin City. The study was guided by the Uses and Gratifications Theory and the Social Media Engagement Theory. The Objectives of the study were to: Identify the social media platforms most commonly used by organisations for public relations, ascertain how organisations use social media to communicate with the public, investigate the effectiveness of social media in improving PR outcomes and identify the challenges organisations face when using social media for public relations. The study used a survey research design and administered 258 questionnaires to undergraduate mass communication students at the University of Benin. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that Facebook and X are the most commonly used platforms for public relations in Benin City. Organisations primarily use social media for oneway communication, such as product information, customer service, and press releases, with the most common posting frequency being daily or weekly. Social media was thought to be generally effective in increasing visibility, audience reach and cost-effectiveness, but its effectiveness in crisis management was moderate. The main challenges were identified as an unreliable power supply, poor internet connectivity, and a lack of professional expertise. The study concludes that, while social media adoption for public relations is high in Benin City, organizations must embrace interactive engagement, invest in professional training, and address infrastructure challenges to achieve the best PR results.

This study examines Benin City residents’ perception of broadcast media reportage of Governor Obaseki’s “Edojob Policy.” The research sought to determine the level of awareness of Edojob Policy among residents, the media channels through which they accessed information, their attitudes towards the policy, and their overall perception of it. The study was anchored on Media Dependency Theory and Framing Theory. A survey research design was employed, with a sample size of 400 respondents drawn from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Egor Local Government Areas of Edo State. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using frequency distribution and simple percentages. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aware of Edojob Policy, with social media emerging as the dominant channel of information. Residents generally perceived the policy positively, acknowledging its contribution to job creation and empowerment. The study concludes that broadcast media reportage has been effective in creating awareness and shaping public perception of the Edojob Policy. The study recommends that media organizations continue to provide extensive coverage of developmental policies and that government sustains and expands the Edojob Initiative for broader impact.

**Abstract** The manual calculation of Grade Point Average (GPA) and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is often time-consuming, prone to computational errors, and may lead to inaccurate academic records. This project, titled **"Design and Implementation of a CGPA/GPA Calculator,"** was undertaken to develop a computerized system that automates the computation of students' academic performance with improved accuracy, speed, and reliability. The system was designed to calculate semester GPA and cumulative CGPA based on approved grading policies, taking into account course credit units, grades obtained, quality points, and cumulative academic records. The development of the application followed the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), which included requirements analysis, system design, implementation, testing, and evaluation. The system was developed using appropriate programming tools and technologies, with a user-friendly interface that allows users to input course details, credit units, and grades, after which the application automatically computes the corresponding GPA and CGPA. The calculator also provides features for validating user input, minimizing calculation errors, and displaying results in an easily understandable format. System testing was carried out using various datasets to evaluate the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of the application. The results showed that the developed system accurately computed GPA and CGPA values within a short processing time while eliminating the errors commonly associated with manual calculations. Furthermore, the application enhanced record management, improved user convenience, and provided a dependable tool for students and academic institutions to monitor academic performance. The study concludes that the implementation of a CGPA/GPA Calculator significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of academic result computation. It is therefore recommended that educational institutions adopt automated GPA/CGPA calculation systems to reduce computational errors, improve transparency, and facilitate effective academic performance monitoring.

This Study examined the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of students in University of Benin. The widespread in adoption and use of digital technologies for teaching and learning informed the study, emphasizing the need to understand how digital learning apps impact academic performance as measured by grades, GPA and other indicators of academic success. The study was guided by four objectives: To identify the level of exposure of students at the University of Benin to digital learning apps, to determine the frequency of usage of
digital learning apps for academic purposes, to examine the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of University of Benin students, and to identify the challenges faced by University of Benin students while using digital learning apps. In terms of theoretical framework, the Constructivist Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovation was adopted. Using a survey design, a sample size of 287 undergraduate full-time students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that there is a high level of digital learning apps awareness among University of Benin students. Digital learning apps was also found to significantly enhance students' retention and grades. However, challenges such as poor internet connection, high cost of data, digital distraction and little training on the use of digital learning apps were identified. The study concludes that digital learning apps positively influences students' academic performance despite certain obstacles. The researcher therefore recommends that the University should implement digital literacy programs that will help students learn how to effectively use digital learning apps, also call for the provision of free Internet (WiFi) within the University.

The world has been battling complex issues such as human trafficking and irregular migration. Nations on every continent have established measures to combat these societal issues. To fully understand the significance of these two concepts, it's essential to define them properly. Human trafficking can be likened to modern-day slavery, characterized by the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals through force, coercion, deception, or exploitation, with the goal of exploiting them. This complex phenomenon involves various individuals, including traffickers, victims, and enablers, and can take many forms, such as forced labor, sex trafficking, and organ harvesting, with severe physical, emotional, and psychological consequences for its victims.

Background: Foot health is an important but often neglected component of overall well-being. Despite the high prevalence of foot ailments globally, there is a paucity of research on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to foot health among the general adult population in Nigeria. Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of foot health and care among apparently healthy adults in Benin City, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 1000 apparently healthy adults (598 males, 402 females) residing in Benin City. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire developed by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). It assessed sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of foot health, attitudes towards foot care, self-reported foot health, and foot care practices. Data collected was summarized using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables. Alpha level was set at p<0.05. Results: 41.7% of respondents rated foot care as 'Very Important', and 48.0% reported giving their foot health 'No thought at all'. Foot ailments were common, with pain in the ball of the feet being the most frequent (56.5%). This pain significantly impacted daily life, inhibiting sleep for most respondents (56.3%). Foot care practices were reactive, with a preference for informal information sources like specific health websites (57.5%) over professional consultation. Sociodemographic factors such as age (p < 0.001) and gender (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with knowledge and attitudes towards foot health and care. Conclusion: Apparently healthy adults in Benin City possess fair to good knowledge and attitudes towards foot health but foot care practices are reactive. Their foot health is impacted by common among them. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health initiatives to improve foot health literacy and promote preventive care practices in Benin City.

This study gathered information on how ICT enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing among John Harris library staff members in the University of Benin. Using the descriptive survey approach. The investigation was guided by eight research questions. The study's population consists of 87 staff both professional and non-professional staff of the John Harris Library in the University of Benin. Out the 87-library staff, thirty were professionals and fifty-seven (57) were non-professionals. Purposive sampling was employed in the study. For the study, a purposive sample strategy was used. The questionnaire titled "ethical role of library and information science professionals in disseminating information" used as the study's instrument. The supervisor of the researcher validated the study equipment. The final draft of the instrument included her recommendations and ideas. The split-half technique was used to determine the instrument's reliability. After carefully outlining the goal of the study, the researcher administered this instrument with the help of her supervisor. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that library staff have access to essential ICT tools, including computers and internet facilities. It was also revealed that ICT tools are frequently used in daily library operations, communication, online meetings, and document sharing. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Libraries should invest in reliable internet connectivity, organize a regular professional training programs and should encourage the adoption of online collaborative tools.

Isotretinoin (Accutane), a retinoid widely used for severe acne, has been reported to induce hippocampal toxicity through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, which can impair prenatal development. The hippocampus, being particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, may contribute to learning and memory deficits when exposed to Isotretinoin during gestation. This study evaluates the protective efficacy of Vitamin E, and quercetin against Accutane-induced hippocampal toxicity in prenatal Wistar rats. Four groups were examined in this: control, Accutane only, Accutane + quercetin + vitamin E, and Accutane + vitamin E. Administration was carried out from GD 14-21 of pregnancy. After littering, the neonates were left until PND 31 (postnatal day 31) before sacrifice. Histological analysis of hippocampal integrity, and developmental parameters in offspring (birth weight, neurobehavioral testing) were assessed. Results showed that Accutane exposure led to reduced birth weight and brain weight, along with neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal cells. Co-administration of vitamin E and quercetin significantly improved hippocampal morphology and restored neurobehavioral activity. Neurobehavioral results revealed that Accutane increased transfer latency and reduced exploratory activity, whereas combined antioxidant treatment improved behavioral performance. Offspring from the co-treated group also exhibited higher body weight and brain weights compared to the Accutane-only group. In conclusion, quercetin and vitamin E effectively counteracted Accutane-induced prenatal toxicity in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. The synergistic antioxidant action of both compounds preserved neural architecture and improved developmental outcomes, suggesting
their potential as therapeutic agents against retinoid-related neurotoxicity in pregnancy.

Traditional classroom lighting systems often lack adaptability and responsiveness, hindering the creation of optimal learning environments. This report presents the development and evaluation of a smart classroom lighting system designed to address these limitations. The system utilizes motion sensors and passive Infrared sensors] to detect the motion of people within the classroom and to check the current status of the classroom lights based on pre-programmed schedules. A mobile app interface allows for user interaction and customization. The project methodology encompassed system design, control algorithm development, user interface creation, prototyping, and performance evaluation. The system was evaluated through energy consumption monitoring, user surveys, and lighting environment measurements. Findings revealed that the smart lighting system led to a reduction in energy consumption, improved user satisfaction with the learning environment, and potential for enhanced student learning outcomes. This report concludes by discussing the system's potential for implementation in educational settings and future research directions.