THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

This study investigates the attitudes of business education teachers towards teaching at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria, focusing on their impact on teaching practices and student outcomes. Utilizing a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 15 academic staff from the Department of Business Education, Faculty of Vocational and Technical Education, using a census approach. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire titled "Attitudes of Business Education Teachers Towards Teaching at the University of Benin, Benin City Questionnaire (ABETTTUBBCQ)," validated by experts and tested for reliability with a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.73. The findings reveal that business education teachers exhibit predominantly positive attitudes, characterized by professional fulfillment, innovative teaching methods, and a commitment to collaboration and professional development. Key factors influencing these attitudes include the availability of teaching resources, university administrative support, student engagement, career advancement opportunities, and workload demands. Positive teacher attitudes were found to enhance lesson delivery, student motivation, and academic performance, while negative attitudes, though less prevalent, reduced teaching effectiveness. Recommended strategies to improve attitudes include regular professional development workshops, increased access to modern teaching resources, recognition of teaching excellence, fostering collaborative work environments, and reducing administrative burdens. These findings contribute to understanding teacher attitudes in higher education and offer actionable insights for enhancing business education programs at the University of Benin.

This study investigated the relationship between organisational silence and deviant workplace behaviour among non-academic staff of the University of Benin. The research sought to identify how different forms of silence, acquiescent, defensive, prosocial, and supervisor silence climate affect the tendency of employees to engage in deviant behaviours at work. A descriptive survey design was employed, and data were collected from ninety-two valid responses through structured questionnaires administered to non- academic staff. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as mean, standard deviation, correlation, and multiple regression through SPSS. The findings revealed that organisational silence was prevalent among non-academic employees, with prosocial silence (M = 3.97) being the most dominant dimension. Deviant workplace behaviour was generally low, with interpersonal deviance (M = 1.88) and organisational deviance (M = 2.11) recording minimal occurrences. Regression results (R = 0.732, R² = 0.535, F = 26.185, p < 0.05) indicated that organisational silence significantly predicts deviant workplace behaviour. Specifically, acquiescent silence (p = 0.000), defensive silence (p = 0.001), and prosocial silence (p = 0.031) were found to negatively influence workplace deviance, while supervisor silence climate (p = 0.001) had a significantly positive effect, implying that restrictive supervisory communication fosters deviant tendencies. The study concludes that organisational silence meaningfully affects behavioural outcomes among non-academic staff. While silence driven by prosocial or self-restraint motives may promote harmony, silence stemming from fear or xi supervisor repression contributes to deviant workplace conduct. The research recommends fostering an open communication culture, strengthening supervisor, employee trust, and establishing supportive feedback systems to mitigate silence-induced deviance. Keywords: Organisational Silence, Deviant Workplace Behaviour, Acquiescent Silence, Defensive Silence, Prosocial Silence, Supervisor Silence Climate, Non-Academic Staff, University of Benin

This research examines air quality and noise pollution within the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, to determine how environmental factors influence the health, comfort, and productivity of individuals in the university community. With increasing urban activities, traffic congestion, and generator use across the campus, the issue of environmental pollution has become more significant. The study assessed four major air pollutants, particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O₃), and evaluated noise levels in various campus zones to provide a comprehensive understanding of environmental quality in the study area. Data were gathered using an air quality monitor and ozone meter for air pollutant measurement and an Extech sound level meter for noise. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was used to interpret pollutant concentrations, while Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping helped visualize spatial pollution patterns across the campus. Results showed that air quality across the campus ranged from good to moderate, with AQI values between 26 and 55. Cleaner conditions were recorded at the College of medical sciences and Halls 6 and 7 (26 – 31), while higher values occurred at ekosodin back gate, 55 and at Main gate,47, influenced by vehicular and commercial activities. PM2.5, PM10 and CO concentrations were also higher at these gate areas, whereas ozone levels remained low reading from 0.01 – 0.07 ppm. In contrast, noise levels often exceeded standards in busy zones, reaching 86.7 dB(A) at ekosodin back gate and above 80 dB(A) in other active areas, surpassing the WHO daytime limit of 55 dB(A). The study concludes that while the overall air quality on the University of Benin campus remains within acceptable limits, noise pollution presents a more serious challenge. To improve environmental conditions, the study recommends effective traffic regulation, proper control of generator use, expansion of vegetation and green zones, and consistent air and noise monitoring. These actions will enhance sustainability and ensure a cleaner, quieter, and healthier learning environment for all campus users.