NIL

Rabbit gastrointestinal tracts harbour a variety of bacteria that are shed in stool and some are beneficial while others are pathogenic. Fifteen (15) rabbit stool samples were collected from three different farms (University of Benin farm, Okene Farm and Animal house) with sterile universal bottles and samples were immediately transported to the laboratory for bacteriological analysis. Total heterotrophic bacterial counts and culture were carried out using standard microbiological techniques. Bacterial identification was also carried out using selective media and various biochemical tests. Phenotypic virulence factors (haemolysin, gelatinase production, serum resistance and capsule formation assays) were carried out on the bacterial isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility was carried out using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. Results showed that Animal House had the highest bacterial load (12.9 × 10⁶ ± 1.4 CFU/g) while University of Benin Farm the lowest (2.1 × 10⁶ ± 1.4 CFU/g) (p < 0.001). The bacteria isolated include, Lactobacillus sp. (26%), Neisseria sp. (20%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), Bacillus sp. (13%), Escherichia coli (13%) and Salmonella sp. (6%). Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus sp., E. coli, and Salmonella sp. exhibited β-haemolysis, gelatinase activity, serum resistance and capsule formation, while Lactobacillus sp. and Neisseria sp. lacked these virulence factors. All isolates were susceptible to levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, rifampicin and ceftazidime but resistant to gentamicin, cefuroxime, streptomycin, azithromycin, amoxicillin and erythromycin. Rabbit stool contains both commensal and opportunistic pathogens carrying resistant bacteria.

The study investigated study the influence of Edo language on English language acquisition of students in senior secondary schools in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, four research questions were raised and answered. The sample size for the study was made up of 100 respondents which were randomly selected from each schools in the local government. The questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The descriptive survey research design was adopted in carrying out the study. An analysis of data was done using frequency count and percentage. The findings from the study include that there is a significant influence of Edo language on grammar acquisition among secondary school students in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. It was concluded that that there is a significant influence of Edo language on English language acquisition of students in senior secondary schools in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State. The study recommended among others that secondary schools should consider incorporating aspects of Edo language and culture into the English language curriculum to create a more relatable learning environment. This could help bridge the gap between the students' native language and English, facilitating better comprehension and usage.

Healthcare policies are central to the regulation of radiographic practice and play a vital role in shaping the quality of patient care. This study investigated the impact of healthcare policies on radiographers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), focusing on policy awareness, influence on daily practice, patient care outcomes, and the challenges of policy adherence. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, and data were collected from viii 31 radiographers through a structured questionnaire. The results showed that 61.3% of respondents were aware of institutional healthcare policies, while 74.2% could identify policy documents relevant to their duties. Full compliance with radiation safety requirements (100%) was observed, demonstrating strong adherence in safety-sensitive areas. Policies were found to substantially influence professional conduct, as 93.5% agreed that policies guide daily radiographic practice, while 87.1% indicated that policies ensure standardization and 90.3% affirmed improved accountability. In terms of patient care, 93.5% agreed that policies enhance service quality and 87.1% believed they promote consistency, although only 42.0% felt that policies reduce imaging time. A Chi-square test further confirmed a statistically significant relationship between healthcare policies and daily radiographic practice (χ² = 61.29, df = 1, p = 0.000), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Despite these positive outcomes, radiographers reported major challenges such as inadequate resources (87.1%), insufficient training (61.3%), outdated guidelines (58.1%), and inconsistent implementation across departments (58.0%). The study concludes that healthcare policies positively shape radiographic practice and patient care at UBTH, but their effectiveness is limited by systemic and administrative constraints. Strengthening policy communication, updating guidelines, improving resource availability, and expanding training opportunities will enhance policy adherence and further improve patient outcomes in radiography.

his study evaluates the United States’ foreign and domestic policy responses to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which initiated the global campaign known as the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). Using a historical-analytical framework and drawing upon secondary data—including strategic defense doctrines, foreign policy directives, national security archives, and independent geopolitical assessments—the research investigates the evolution, execution, and long-term efficacy of the American counterterrorism paradigm over more than two decades. The study systematically reviews the primary pillars of the U.S. strategy, analyzing the shift toward preemptive military intervention, the deployment of asymmetric drone warfare, the global weaponization of financial surveillance systems, and the comprehensive bureaucratic reorganization of the domestic intelligence apparatus. The findings indicate that while the U.S.-led counterterrorism framework successfully achieved its primary objective of preventing another catastrophic, foreign-directed terrorist attack on the American homeland and effectively decapitated core leadership nodes (including Osama bin Laden and Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi), it produced profound secondary consequences. At the international level, military interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq generated persistent power vacuums, fostered regional instability, and unintentionally catalyzed the decentralization of jihadist networks into autonomous regional franchises. At the domestic level, the expansion of state surveillance through legislative measures like the USA PATRIOT Act ignited ongoing legal and ethical debates regarding the erosion of civil liberties. Furthermore, the study highlights the immense economic toll of the post-9/11 conflicts, which cost trillions of dollars and exacerbated national fiscal strains. The study concludes that the traditional, heavily militarized approach to counterterrorism has yielded diminishing returns in a multipolar global environment. It recommends that future counterterrorism strategies transition toward multilateral diplomacy, localized intelligence sharing, and addressing the underlying socio-economic drivers of radicalization.

This study investigated the transformative role of adult education in promoting community development, specifically focusing on the host community of the University of Benin, Nigeria. Recognizing adult education as a crucial component of lifelong learning and a strategic driver for national transformation, the research aimed to determine how existing programs address pervasive challenges such as low literacy rates, high unemployment, skill deficits, and social exclusion in the community. The core purpose was to identify the types of adult education programs available, evaluate participants' perceptions of their impact on personal and collective development, assess their effectiveness in meeting economic, social, and political needs, and explore the challenges hindering successful implementation. Ultimately, the study sought to provide evidence- based recommendations to strengthen adult learning initiatives and foster sustainable development at the grassroots level. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design to gather facts and opinions from the population for generalization. The study area was delimited to selected neighborhoods surrounding the University of Benin, including Ugbowo, Ekosodin, Osasogie, and BDPA. Data was collected from one hundred and twenty (120) adults selected from ten communities in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State using a questionnaire as the primary research instrument. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, simple percentage, and mean scores, with a criterion mean score of 2.50 used as the selection benchmark. The findings indicated that the available adult education programs in the area include women education, population education, literacy, workers education, and vocational education, and that the community holds a positive attitude toward these programs. Crucially, the study concluded that adult education has significantly helped in community development by providing economic skills, improving participants' standard of living, enhancing reading abilities, and fostering cordial community relationships, with the extent of acquired skills contributing highly to poverty alleviation. The successful implementation of these programs, however, is often challenged by financial constraints, inadequate government support, and limited facilities. Therefore, recommendations often revolve around the need for increased government funding, better institutional collaboration (especially with the University of Benin), and addressing logistical barriers to ensure the programs are sustainable and relevant to evolving labor market needs.

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a critical public health burden, particularly in high-prevalence settings like Nigeria. Within this environment, clinical-year medical students represent a highly vulnerable demographic; their transition into hands-on patient care and the accompanying steep clinical learning curve frequently expose them to occupational hazards such as needle-stick injuries and mucosal splashes. Although Post- Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) can reduce the transmission risk by over 80% if initiated within the critical 72-hour window, its clinical effectiveness is heavily contingent upon the trainees' underlying awareness, positive attitudes, and prompt health-seeking behaviours. Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of these students is therefore vital for identifying hidden educational deficits and designing targeted, student-centred institutional safety interventions. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the experiences of clinical-year medical students at the University of Benin regarding HIV post-exposure prophylaxis, specifically by evaluating their knowledge, attitude, practice, and the barriers limiting its utilisation. Methodology: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. The study was conducted among clinical-year (400, 500, and 600-level) medical students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 313 respondents. Data were collected via a pretested, self-administered online questionnaire xii (Google Forms). Responses were scored to formally categorize participants' knowledge, attitude, and practice into specific tiers (e.g., poor, fair, good). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with statistical significance determined through Chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and binary logistic regression. Result: A total of 313 students participated (100% response rate), with a mean age of 23.03±2.40 years and a male majority (62.9%). While a high proportion (89.1%) were aware of PEP, detailed knowledge was grossly inadequate: 41.2% had poor knowledge, 43.8% had fair knowledge, and only 15.0% possessed good knowledge. Prior HIV testing emerged as the sole independent predictor of good knowledge (p < 0.001). Conversely, an overwhelming majority (90.4%) demonstrated a positive attitude toward PEP, which was significantly predicted by having a higher knowledge score (p = 0.007). Regarding practice, 8.3% reported a history of occupational exposure, but only 23.1% of those exposed actually initiated PEP, resulting in an overall poor practice rate of 88.5%. Major barriers to utilisation included a lack of knowledge regarding reporting protocols (86.6%), uncertainty about exposure risk (74.4%), and fear of stigma (74.1%). Conclusion: The study reveals a critical gap between high theoretical awareness and positive attitudes versus severely deficient practical knowledge and poor utilisation of HIV PEP among clinical-year medical students. Individual demographic factors did not significantly improve practice, indicating that the low utilisation is heavily driven by structural and informational barriers. To mitigate these occupational hazards, institutions must integrate formal PEP protocol training into the clinical curriculum, guarantee confidential reporting pathways, and ensure unrestricted 24-hour access to prophylaxis services. xiii Keywords: HIV, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, Clinical-year Medical Students, Occupational Exposure, Knowledge Attitude and Practice, University of Benin, Nigeria

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.

Architectural facades play a vital role in shaping the identity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of buildings, particularly in urban environments. This research investigates the incorporation of architectural facades in buildings within Benin City, Edo State, focusing on their social, cultural, and environmental impacts. The study explores how façade design contributes to the character of the built environment, enhances user experience, promotes climate responsiveness, and reflects local identity. Despite their significance, many buildings in Benin City lack thoughtful façade integration due to limited awareness, economic constraints, and insufficient design regulation. Through field observations, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, this research examines existing façade applications and identifies best practices for context-appropriate designs. The findings reveal that well-designed facades improve urban aesthetics, increase building efficiency, and foster a stronger sense of place. The study concludes that a deliberate approach to façade integration considering climate, culture, and functionality are essential for sustainable urban development. Key recommendations include promoting design education, enforcing architectural standards, and encouraging innovation to support meaningful façade design in Benin City. This research offers practical insights for architects, developers, and policymakers committed to enhancing the urban fabric through facade-conscious architecture.

The application of plants as herbal medicine has been used by various populations throughout human evolution, whereas people started to learn in selecting plants for food, to cure and prevent ailments and diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of Cinnamon bark on the liver of wistar rat. Twenty (20) Adult Wistar rats of weighing between 150 g-180g were used for this experiment. The rats were procured from the animal holdings of Department of Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City. The animals were housed in the Department of Anatomy, University of Benin. Care and management of animals was carried out in accordance with the guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals. The animals were allowed to acclimatize for a period of two weeks before commencement of experiment. The bark of Cinnamon was purchased from the vegetable market of “Stop to Shop” located opposite the University of Benin. The bark was chopped into little bits and allowed to dry at room temperature. The dried bark was pounded using wooden mortar and pestle and milled into fine powder in an electric blender. Five hundred grams (500g) of the powder were soaked in 2 liters of distilled water for 24 hours. The mixture was filtered with white filter paper and the residue would be separated from the filtrate. The filtrate was concentrated using Freeze dried technique in the National Centre for Energy and Environment at the University of Benin, Benin City. The rats were randomly assigned into a Control group (A) and three (3) treatment groups (B, C, and D) containing five (5) animals each. Rats in Group B were administered with 200 mg/kg aqueous extract of Cinnamon bark; group C was administered with 500 mg/kg aqueous extract of Cinnamon bark; Group D 1000 mg/kg aqueous extract of Cinnamon bark. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed using Chloroform anesthesia and the Liver tissues were harvested and fixed in 10% buffer saline for routine histological procedure for hematoxylin and Eosin staining technique. Blood samples were collected from the descending abdominal aorta and preserved, in heparin coated tubes, for biochemical determination of Liver function tests. The data generated carried out using Statistical package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 16) manufactured by international Business Machine Corporation (IBM) in Armonk, New York. The significance of the difference in the means of all parameters would be determined using one-way analysis of variance (95% confidence interval). Result obtained showed that the extract had no deleterious effect on the Liver of the rats. However there was activation of inflammatory cells aggravating toward the portal area. Further studies should be carried out to corroborate this finding

This study examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) marketing on students’ patronage of products, using the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, as a case study. The research focused on assessing how five key dimensions of AI marketing—Human-Centered Design (HCD), Perceived Safety (PS), Reliability (REL), Transparency (TR), and Security (SEC)—affect students’ purchasing decisions. Data were obtained through a structured questionnaire distributed among undergraduate students, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression techniques to determine the predictive effect of each variable on product patronage. The findings revealed that all five dimensions of AI marketing significantly and positively influence students’ patronage, with Human-Centered Design emerging as the most impactful factor. The study further established that students are more inclined to engage with AI- driven marketing platforms when they perceive them as user-friendly, transparent, secure, and trustworthy in their recommendations. In light of these findings, the study recommends that marketers, businesses, and e-commerce platforms adopt AI systems that emphasize user experience, security, and data transparency. Regular algorithm updates, clear communication on data usage, and strong protection measures are encouraged to enhance students’ confidence and sustained engagement. Overall, this research enriches existing knowledge on AI-driven marketing and provides practical insights for developing effective, reliable, and customer- centered AI marketing strategies within the Nigerian higher education context.