DIVERSITY

This study investigated the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and diversity at the University of Benin. Four research questions and two hypotheses guided the inquiry. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and the population consisted of 46,110 students of the University of Benin. A stratified and simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 100 students drawn evenly from five faculties. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire validated by experts in Human Kinetics and analysed using descriptive statistics mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that sports programs significantly promote social inclusion by fostering interaction, friendship formation, and a sense of belonging among students from diverse backgrounds. Major barriers to participation among underrepresented students included financial constraints, limited awareness of available programs, inaccessibility of facilities, discrimination, and academic workload. Results also showed that while leadership in sports programs positively influences inclusion through fair treatment and encouragement of diverse participation, there remains a need for stronger policy implementation to support underrepresented groups. Based on these outcomes, the study concludes that sports are an important catalyst for social cohesion and diversity within the university environment, but structural and administrative barriers must be addressed to achieve full inclusivity. Recommendations were made to improve accessibility, awareness, financial support, and inclusive policy enforcement in the University of Benin’s sports programs.

This study investigates the relationship between corporate board diversity and the financial performance of quoted oil and gas companies in Nigeria. Conducted within the context of governance reforms and performance challenges in the sector, the research examines how national, ethnic, age, and gender diversity influence Earnings Per Share (EPS), which was adopted as the measure of financial performance. An ex-post facto research design was employed, using panel data extracted from the annual reports of twelve oil and gas companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression were applied to evaluate the hypothesized relationships. The findings reveal that ethnic and age diversity exert significant positive effects on EPS, while national and gender diversity show statistically insignificant influences. The results indicate that board heterogeneity in certain dimensions enhances shareholder value, though some forms of diversity remain underutilized in Nigeria’s corporate governance framework. The study concludes that meaningful representation across diversity dimensions can strengthen decision- making and improve financial outcomes, especially in a highly regulated and capital-intensive industry. The study recommends that regulators and policymakers enforce inclusive governance policies that encourage balanced board representation, while companies should adopt strategic diversity practices that integrate ethnicity, age, gender, and nationality to enhance performance and competitiveness.

The study investigated the affect of Anthropogenic Disturbances of some selected species in University of Benin. The campus was divided into two habitat types; compartments A and compartment B.The survey was carried out for a period of six months( February 2023 to July 2023) converting both the dry and wet season.Using line transect method, animal census was carried out from 6:30 am to 10:00am in the morning and 4:00-6:00 In the evening. Each compartment was visited twice per day( morning and evening). Animal sighted we're identified. The number of individuals seen along the transect line were noted and count. A total number of 260 individuals belonging to 12 families and 12 species in both the wet and the dry season were identified and recorded within the studey area. The results of the family species and abundance of wildlife was higher (0.284) and relative abundance (28.4%) was observed among xerus erythopis while the was recorded among Hystrix cristata individual species Shannon taxas diversity index and evenness recorded high population in the transect line( C) 115, Shannon diversity index in transect( C); evenness 0.8622 and Margalef I'm transect (C)and(D)in both the dry and wet season. Species habitat preference were significantly different in both study sites. The species occur more ( 15.0@+- 2.76) site B and (25.4@+- 2.24) site B for both seasons. The species surveyed in both the dry and wet season we're highly dictected more during the day season (37.3@+5.33) as compared to wet season. On the animal activity investigated, Trail (54.5@+_6.2) and the calls(38.8b+_5.7) we're significantly different among the various activities surveyed for this studies.The Anthropogenic Activities in the study area were significantly different. Traps(43.0+_4.7a) and farming (26.5+_7.4b) were the major Anthropogenic activities observed in this study. While snares(26.0+_4.76a) and cage trap (9.3+_2.3b) records the most frequent use trap for animal capturing and poaching activities in the study area. Human induced activity is the major Anthropogenic factor influencing the wildlife disturbance in the study area. There is need for urgent conservation effect for the protection of the species population.

The oil palm industry generates large quantities of solid waste, particularly Empty Fruit Bunches
(EFB), which are often discarded despite their potential value as organic soil material. This study examined the effects of EFB on bacterial communities in oil palm rhizosphere soils collected from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) in Edo State, Nigeria. Laboratory analyses were conducted to determine how different EFB application rates influenced soil properties and bacterial population structures. The results showed that moderate EFB application at 50kg to 100kg improved key soil parameters such as pH, organic carbon, and nutrient content. Although bacterial counts slightly decreased with EFB addition, beneficial species such as Bacillus subtilis and Enterobacter aerogenes were more prominent, exhibiting plant growth- promoting traits like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. However, the presence of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus indicated potential biosafety concerns. In conclusion, EFB enhances soil fertility and supports beneficial microbes, when applied in moderate rates (50kg- 100kg)

This study examines the relationship between board diversity and the financial performance of firms in Nigeria. It explores how diverse board characteristics such as gender, age, expertise, and background influence firm profitability and overall financial health. The study made use of secondary data which were generated from the annual report of companies listed in my exchange group for the period 2020-2024. The data generated were analysed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques. The study found among others that board diversity does not have a significant impact on firm performance in the Nigerian Manufacturing sector. By implementing inclusive governance practices and reforming institutional frameworks, Nigerian manufacturing firms can unlock the full potential of board diversity to enhance innovation, accountability, and long-term sustainability.