Master Dissertation

This study examined strategic management and its influence on quality healthcare delivery in Maria Assumpta Catholic Hospital. The study was motivated by persistent concerns regarding healthcare quality, patient satisfaction, operational inefficiencies, and resource constraints in Nigerian healthcare institutions, particularly within private and faith-based hospitals. The main objective was to investigate how strategic management practices contribute to improved healthcare delivery and organizational performance in the hospital. Specifically, the study examined the extent of strategic planning implementation, the influence of resource management on healthcare quality, the impact of leadership and organizational structure on service efficiency, the relationship between strategic management practices and patient satisfaction, and the challenges affecting the effective implementation of strategic management.The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were collected from hospital administrators, healthcare professionals, and patients through structured questionnaires. The Resource-Based View (RBV) theory served as the theoretical framework, emphasizing the importance of internal organizational resources and capabilities in achieving sustainable performance and quality healthcare outcomes. Data obtained from respondents were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, including frequency distribution, mean scores, and hypothesis testing. Findings revealed that strategic management practices significantly influence quality healthcare delivery in the hospital. The study showed that effective strategic planning enhances operational coordination, while efficient resource management improves service delivery, patient safety, and organizational effectiveness. Leadership and organizational structure were also found to positively affect staff performance and healthcare efficiency. Furthermore, strategic management practices contributed significantly to patient satisfaction through improved communication, reduced waiting time, and better service coordination. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, shortage of skilled personnel, limited technological infrastructure, and weak monitoring systems were identified as barriers to effective strategic management implementation.The study concluded that strategic management is essential for achieving sustainable quality healthcare delivery and recommended improved strategic planning, staff development, leadership strengthening, and enhanced resource allocation to improve healthcare outcomes.Keywords: Strategic Management, Quality Healthcare Delivery, Resource Management, Patient Satisfaction, Leadership, Healthcare Administration.

The present study evaluated the physical, chemical, and heavy metals content (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) and fertility status of soils from three dumpsites within the Benin city metropolis and the effect of NPK (15:15:15) fertilizer on the growth and yield of Okra and Garden Egg. Soils samples were collected processed and analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The experiment was a 3 x 4 factorial fitted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with three levels of fertilizer (0 g NPK, 14 g NPK and 28 g NPK) and (3) dumpsites (Benin Sapele Road Dumpsite (BSD), Benin Agbor Road Dumpsite (BAD) and Benin Oluku Bypass Dumpsite
(BOD) and the control with three replications. Growth parameters (plant height, number of leaves; stem girth; leaf area) and yield were collected. The fruit yield per hectare was derived by estimating the fruit yield per poly bag. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and treatment means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at 5% probability level. Results showed that, physical and chemical properties of the dumpsite soils were slightly alkaline with pH range of 7.28 to 7.56. The organic carbon ranged between 11.6 and 13.7 g/kg. The fertility status of the soils from the different dumpsites revealed that soils
from Agbor Road ByePass were high in potassium while soils from Oluku and Sapele ByePass dumpsites were high in phosphorus and nitrogen. The total N from the dumpsites ranged between 0.065 to 0.199 %. The heavy metal content of dumpsite soils varied significantly, but was within the limits recommended by FAO/WHO. The application of 28 g NPK fertilizer enhanced the growth and yield of Okra and Garden Egg compared to the control. This study suggest that dumpsite soils amended with NPK fertilizer improved soil nutrients status and enhanced the yield and growth of Okra and Garden Egg plant.

This study appraises the civil remedies available to owners of copyright works in Nigeria, with a view to evaluating their effectiveness in protecting the rights of creators. Despite the existence of the 2022 Copyright laws in Nigeria. copyright infringement remains a pervasive issue, resulting in significant economic losses for creators and owners of copyright works. The effectiveness of civil remedies in protecting the rights of copyright owners in Nigeria is uncertain, and the extent to which these remedies provide adequate redress for infringementis unclear. The aim of this study is to examine works that are protected by copyright and
inquire whether the remedies provided by the law in protecting the victims are adequate or whether there is need to seek other avenues beyond the ones provided by law to compensate these victims. This study will adopt the doctrinal / analytical research method which will include researching into constitutions, statutes, conventions or treaties and other international agreements, case laws (judicial decisions), journals and books. Relevant laws, regulations and judicial decisions related to Copyright Law in Nigeria will be analyzed. This study underscores the imperative for copyright holders and researchers to pursue remedies for
copyright infringements through civil litigation, thereby invigorating efforts to safeguard intellectual property rights. The findings reveal that while various civil remedies, including damages, injunctions and accounts of profits, are available to copyright owners, their effectiveness is hindered by several challenges, including inadequate enforcement mechanism, lack of awareness, and
corruption. The research contributes to the literature on Copyright Law and civil remedies in Nigeria, and provides insight for policy makers, legal practitioners, and creators seeking to protect their intellectual property rights.

This study was set out to determine the impact of Diversity and Inclusion, and Employee productivity. The specific focus include to examine the impact of demographics, Inclusion strategies, and pay equity on employee productivity. Also, there was the need to unveil the challenges of workplace diversity and inclusion. The survey research design was employed with a total population size of 100 and a sample size of 44. The primary instrument used for data collection in this study was a structured questionnaire designed to obtain relevant information from transport staff regarding diversity, inclusion, and employee productivity. Both descriptive and inferential statistic were employed in analysing the data. The study found that there is a positive and significant relationship between demographic factors, inclusion strategies, and pay equity and employee productivity.

This study examined the impact of the perception of compensation management practices on employee performance in the hospitality industry in Benin City, Nigeria. Specifically, it explored the relationships between salaries and wages, fringe benefits, staff allowances, incentives, and training opportunities and their influence on employee performance. A survey research design, specifically the cross-sectional variant, was adopted. The study population comprised all employees in the hospitality industry in Benin City, and a stratified random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 385 respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, with a retrieval rate of 98%, and analysed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 24. Findings revealed that fringe benefits, allowances for staff, and incentives had a positive significant correlation with employees' performance, which testifies the importance of both monetary and non-onetary
rewards in motivating employees. However, wages and salaries did not statistically significantly impact performance, i.e., base pay alone may not be the productivity driver for the hospitality sector. Opportunities for training had a strong but weak positive relationship with performance, i.e., better organised and industry-specific training programmes need to be implemented. Based on these findings, the study recommended that hospitality organizations adopt an overall compensation policy by offering attractive fringe benefits, staff allowances formalized, and properly designed incentive schemes to enhance employees' motivation and performance. Besides, training programmes need to be developed according to the functional needs of employees in order to realize their full potential

The interaction between plant fibers and digestive enzymes is a critical aspect of gastrointestinal physiology, and plant fibers from traditional medicinal plants have attracted attention for their potential effects on digestive processes and metabolic health. However, the specific effects of Irvingia gabonensis (bush mango), Hunteria umbellata (osu), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fibers on key small intestinal enzymes in a mammalian model are not fully elucidated. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of these plant fibers on the activities of disaccharidases (maltase, lactase, sucrase) and alkaline phosphatase, as well as total protein content and body weight, in the small intestinal mucosa of Wistar rats. Fifty-four (54) male wistar rats were divided into nine (9) groups of six (6) animals each, Control 1- fiber-free group, Control 2 Fybogel 1.5 %, Fybogel 3.0 %, Bush mango 5.0 %, Bush mango 10.0 %, Okra 5.0 %, Okra 10.0 %, Osu 5.0 %, and Osu 10.0 %. The animals were fed formulated diets containing different concentrations of each plant fiber for 36 days. The primary data collected were measurements of enzymatic activity, total protein content, and body weight gain. Enzyme activities (maltase, lactase, sucrase, and alkaline phosphatase) were assessed using spectrophotometric assays on the small intestinal mucosal homogenates. Statistical analysis was performed to determine significant variations in enzymatic activity, total protein, and body weight gain across the different dietary groups, with a threshold of p < 0.05 defining statistical significance. The findings demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) variations in enzymatic activity and metabolic parameters across the fiber-supplemented groups. Lactase activity was significantly elevated (122% increase) in the I. gabonensis 10.0 g group but significantly reduced by both doses of A. esculentus and the H. umbellata 10.0 g dose. Sucrase activity was consistently reduced across all plant fiber treatments, with H. umbellata showing the greatest reduction (44% decrease). Notably, alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated in all fiber-supplemented diets compared to the fiber-free control (ranging from 105% to 353% increase). All plant fibers also significantly (p < 0.05) increased total protein content (up to 76% increase) and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced body weight gain (up to 35% decrease) compared to the control. These results suggested that supplementation with these plant fibers significantly modulated intestinal enzyme xi activities and influenced metabolic processes. The significant alterations in enzyme activities and weight control highlighted the potential therapeutic benefits of I. gabonensis, H. umbellata, and A. esculentus fibers in improving gastrointestinal health and metabolic function.

This study examined the relationship between workplace toxicity and employees’ performance in virtual organisations in Lagos State. Virtual organisations have become an increasingly prominent feature of the modern business landscape as technological advancements, global connectivity and digital work platforms continue to redefine the nature of organisational operations. It is aimed at determining how workplace bullying influences employee performance; ascertaining the relationship between workplace harassment and employee performance; examining the extent to which toxic leadership influences employee performance; and ascertaining whether cyber incivility affects employee performance in virtual organisations in Lagos State. Four dimensions of workplace toxicity, which are: workplace bullying, workplace harassment, toxic leadership and cyber incivility in relation to employees’ performance, were examined. The study specifically adopted a descriptive survey research design to gather information from primary sources, using structured questionnaires administered to employees in the selected virtual organisations in Lagos State. A total number of three hundred and sixty-four (364) valid responses were collected from employees in the selected virtual organisations. The data gathered were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that each dimension of workplace toxicity examined, which are workplace bullying, workplace harassment, toxic leadership and cyber incivility, was significantly and positively associated with employees’ performance among the respondents. The analysis demonstrates a very strong association between the independent variables (workplace toxicity) and employees’ performance, as indicated by the correlation coefficient (R) of 0.872. This value signifies a very strong positive linear relationship. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination (R²) is 0.746, indicating that only 74.6% of the variance in employees’ performance is explained by the predictors. Based on these results, it is recommended that the organisation strengthen internal policies that address harassment, enforce fair treatment among staff, and develop transparent reward systems that minimise favouritism. In addition, the organisation should recommend continuous employee counselling, improved supervisory conduct, and policy reforms targeting toxic managerial practice

This study examined the “Social Work Intervention Strategies for Victims of Truancy and Juvenile Delinquency in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria.” Truancy and juvenile delinquency have become pressing social and educational challenges, threatening academic achievement, school discipline, and the broader social development of young people. These behaviours are influenced by multiple socio-cultural, economic, and family-related factors, which often leave affected students vulnerable to further academic and social failure. Social work intervention provides a professional framework to address these challenges by offering preventive, remedial, and rehabilitative support for students at risk. The objectives of the study were to: identify the causes of truancy and juvenile delinquency in selected public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area, examine the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing these behaviours, explore the effectiveness of social work intervention strategies in addressing truancy and juvenile delinquency, assess the roles of schools, families, and communities in supporting victims, and investigate the challenges facing social workers in implementing interventions. The study adopted Social Learning Theory and Ecological Systems Theory as its theoretical framework. A quantitative approach was adopted, using survey research design. The study population comprised secondary school students, teachers, parents, and social workers in Ovia North East LGA. A sample size of 400 respondents was selected through multi-stage sampling
using systematic techniques. Data collection instruments included a structured questionnaire, validated by experts in social work. Reliability was ensured through testretest procedures. The findings revealed that peer pressure, poor parental supervision,
poverty, broken homes, negative school environments, and socio-cultural influences were major causes of truancy and juvenile delinquency. The study further showed that while social workers play an important role in counseling, advocacy, and school–community mediation, their involvement in secondary schools remains limited due to institutional, financial, and policy-related challenges. The study recommended, among others, that the government should integrate professional social workers into school systems to provide counseling and rehabilitation services; families and communities should be sensitized to their roles in curbing truancy and delinquency; and targeted economic and educational support should be provided for vulnerable students. Strengthening collaboration between schools, families, and community stakeholders was also emphasized as a key strategy to
reduce the menace

Artemisia annua (Asteraceae), commonly known as sweet wormwood, has been widely used in traditional medicine for treating fevers, malaria, and various infections. While it’s active component, artemisinin, is well known for its antimalarial properties, recent studies have suggested that other bioactive compounds in A. annua may also exhibit significant antimicrobial activity. However, the antimicrobial potential of A. annua leaf extract, particularly against multidrug-resistant bacteria, remains underexplored. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of A. annua leaves and identify constituents with potential antimicrobial activity. The research involved the collection and authentication of A. annua leaves, extraction and fractionation using organic solvents of varying polarity (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol), acute toxicity screening and antimicrobial testing against selected bacterial strains. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were employed to identify bioactive compounds in the most active fractions. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, with significant inhibitory effects on a broad spectrum of bacteria. Key bioactive compounds
identified include scopoletin, deoxyqinghaosu, naringenin, kaempferol, and sapogenin. Acute toxicity studies revealed a high safety margin for A. annua extract. These findings highlight A. annua’s potential as a natural antimicrobial agent, offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to synthetic antibiotics, particularly in resource-limited settings.

The study examined the influence of marital conflict on the educational advancement of post-graduate students in Edo State. The need to address the concern of stakeholders over the influence of marital conflicts on the educational progress of postgraduate students, in university of Benin, Benin City necessitated this study. To guide the study, five research questions were raised, hypothesized and tested at 0.05 alpha level. The study adopted Survey research method to measure the differences between the variables of the study. The population of the study was Eleven thousand, five hundred (11,500) married postgraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin City, while the target population was Five hundred and thirteen (513) married postgraduate students from the Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The sample of the study consisted of Two hundred and twenty five (225) married post graduate students selected through purposive sampling procedures. The research instrument used in collecting data was a self designed questionnaire titled: “Marital Conflict and Students Educational Advancement Questionnaire (MCSEAQ)”. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor in the Department of Educational Foundations and two experts from the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The Cronbach’s Alpha Statistics was used to establish the reliability of the instrument, the alpha value of 0.87 was obtained. Demographic characteristics of the respondents were analyzed with percentage while the hypotheses formulated were tested using Chi-square statistics. The findings revealed that there is a difference between the nature of marital conflicts among employed married post-graduate students and unemployed post- graduate students in University of Benin. The study also showed that there is a difference between the causes of marital conflicts among employed married post- graduate students and unemployed post-graduate students in University of Benin and that there is a difference between the influence of marital conflicts on the educational progress of married male post-graduate students and that of married female post-graduate students in the University of Benin. The study further revealed that there is a difference between the coping strategies employed by employed post-graduate students of University of Benin experiencing marital conflicts and that of unemployed post-graduate students of University of Benin experiencing marital conflicts, In view of the findings, the study recommends, among other, that the findings of this study be made available for use in educational planning and improvement. There was need for the University of Benin to have guidance Counsellors, who could counsel married students experiencing marital conflict.