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This study investigates the relationship between corporate governance mechanisms and circular economy disclosure level (CEDL) among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, against the backdrop of increasing global emphasis on sustainability, resource efficiency, and environmental accountability. Despite the growing importance of circular economy practices, corporate disclosure in this domain remains largely voluntary, inconsistent, and underdeveloped in emerging economies, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. This study addresses this gap by examining whether corporate governance mechanisms serve as effective drivers of circular economy disclosure within the Nigerian institutional context. The study adopts an ex post facto research design and utilizes panel data from forty-one (41) manufacturing firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group over a seven-year period (2018–2024). Circular economy disclosure is measured using a 18-item disclosure index adapted from established literature, while corporate governance variables include board size, board gender diversity, board independence, board tenure, board diligence, and the presence of a CSR committee, with firm size included as a control variable. Data were sourced from annual reports and analyzed using fixed effects panel least squares regression, with robust standard errors applied to address heteroskedasticity and serial correlation. The findings revealed that corporate governance mechanisms exert differential effects on circular economy disclosure. Specifically, board gender diversity has a positive and statistically significant influence on CED, indicating that firms with higher female representation on their boards demonstrate greater transparency in circular economy reporting. In contrast, board size exhibits a negative but weakly significant relationship, suggesting that larger boards may hinder effective CED-oriented decision-making. However, board independence, board tenure, board diligence, and the presence of a CSR committee are found to have no significant impact on CED, implying that these governance mechanisms may be largely symbolic rather than substantive within the Nigerian context. Firm size, however, shows a strong positive and significant relationship with CED. The study concludes that effective circular economy disclosure in Nigeria is less dependent on formal governance structures and more influenced by board composition and organizational capacity. It contributes to the literature by providing context-specific empirical evidence from an emerging economy, extending corporate governance and sustainability disclosure research into the circular economy domain. The findings have important implications for policymakers, regulators, and corporate stakeholders, particularly in designing governance frameworks that promote substantive, rather than symbolic, sustainability disclosure practices.

Agricultural intensification remains a critical strategy for enhancing food production among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa. However, when pursued without adequate environmental safeguards, it can generate adverse ecological consequences. This study assessed smallholder farmers’ perception of the environmental impacts of agricultural intensification in Benin City, Nigeria, with particular emphasis on soil erosion and water quality changes. The study was anchored on the Environmental Degradation Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, with insights from Political Ecology to explain how livelihood pressures shape farmers’ environmental perceptions and practices. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Primary data were obtained from 60 smallholder farmers and six key informants across Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, and Oredo Local Government Areas using structured questionnaires, interviews, and field observations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and independent samples t-tests, Fisher’s Exact test, while qualitative information supported interpretation of results. Findings indicate that farmers practice a hybrid form of agricultural intensification. Intercropping (65 percent) and biannual cultivation (46.7 percent) were widely adopted, alongside intensive use of herbicides (70 percent) and pesticides (56.7 percent). Nearly half of the respondents reported that their farms were located within 100 metres of streams or rivers, which they perceived as increasing the risk of agrochemical runoff and water contamination. A substantial proportion of farmers reported visible soil erosion on their farms, particularly under continuous cultivation on sandy-loam soils. Perceived changes in water quality were commonly associated with proximity to water bodies and poor agrochemical handling practices, including unsafe storage near streams. Despite these observations, farmer awareness of environmentally sustainable agricultural practices was limited, as only 31.7 percent of respondents reported having received formal agricultural training. The study concludes that smallholder farmers in Benin City possess experiential knowledge of the environmental consequences of agricultural intensification, but livelihood pressures, land constraints, and weak institutional support influence their continued reliance on environmentally risky practices. It recommends strengthening extension services, promoting conservation agriculture, enforcing buffer-zone regulations around water bodies, and improving access to training on sustainable land and water management. By providing localized empirical evidence on farmers’ perceptions, this study contributes to the broader discourse on balancing food security and environmental sustainability in peri-urban farming systems in Nigeria and similar developing-country contexts.

Environmental pollution from fish processing activities is a critical issue in Nigeria, especially in urban areas such as Benin City, where the rapid growth of artisanal fish processing contributes to environmental degradation. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of stakeholder participation in managing environmental pollution resulting from fish processing activities in Benin City, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected from 80 respondents, including fish processors, market association leaders, community leaders, waste disposal service providers, and local government officers within the study area. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for data collection. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings were presented in tables and figures for clarity and proper interpretation. Findings revealed that fish processing sites generate multiple waste types, including fish scales (82%), waste water (91%), packaging waste (74%), oil/fat residues (76%), and ash (69%), most of which are disposed of through open dumping, burning, or drainage channels. Key stakeholders identified include waste service providers, NGOs, community leaders, market associations, and environmental officers. However, stakeholder participation was found to be only moderately effective, limited by inadequate coordination, poor enforcement, and insufficient waste infrastructure. The study concludes that sustainable waste management in fish processing requires strong institutional collaboration, participatory governance, improved policy enforcement, and enhanced environmental education to promote cleaner and safer fish processing practices in Benin City.

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.