Master Dissertation

Cement manufacturing is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, requiring substantial thermal and electrical energy, particularly during clinkerization and cement grinding. In Nigeria, rising fuel costs, unstable power supply, and inefficient energy utilization have significantly increased production costs and environmental impacts, making effective energy management essential. This study presents a comprehensive energy audit of the BUA Cement Plant, Obu-Okpella, Edo State, with the aim of evaluating plant-wide energy performance, identifying inefficiencies and energy losses, and proposing strategies for improving efficiency and reducing production costs.
A detailed energy audit was conducted across major production stages, including raw material preparation, clinker production, cement grinding, and packaging of the finished product. Data were obtained through on-site equipment inspections, Central Control Room records, and production logs, supported by equipment inventories and design capacity data. Energy performance was evaluated using specific energy consumption (SEC) indicators, as well as mass and heat balance analyses. The results were further benchmarked against international best-practice standards to assess the plant’s relative performance.
The results reveal significant opportunities for energy optimization within the plant. The specific thermal energy consumption of the kiln was approximately 3.5 GJ/t of clinker, slightly above global best practice values of 2.8–3.0 GJ/t, indicating potential for improvement. Heat balance analysis showed total heat input and output of 3333 kJ/kg and 3342 kJ/kg clinker, respectively, with a minimal deviation of 0.27%, confirming data reliability. Kiln and cooler heat losses were estimated at 9 kJ/kg and 8 kJ/kg clinker, respectively, while total heat loss due to radiation and convection was 0.15 MJ/kg. The annual electrical energy intensity was 88.74 kWh/t of cement, within the global benchmark range of 80–120 kWh/t, with cement and raw mills identified as the largest electrical energy consumers. Furthermore, approximately 15.6% of total energy input in the 6000 t/day dry-process kiln system could be recovered through improved waste heat recovery and enhanced clinker cooler efficiency. The study concludes that while the plant operates within acceptable energy performance ranges, significant opportunities exist for further optimization. Implementation of improved kiln insulation, enhanced waste heat recovery systems, optimized process control, and structured energy management practices is recommended to reduce operational costs, improve overall efficiency, and support sustainable cement production.

The research study is to examine the influence of corporate governance on firm performance of First Bank Nigeria PLC. It made use of board committee, audit committee, board size and corporate governance disclosure index as corporate governance predictive variables. The research design adopted is the longitudinal survey research design. The model parameters were estimated using Ordinary Least Squares with time series data for the period 2006 to 2016 for First Bank Nigeria PLC. The stationarity, stability, co-integration and causal relationship between the explanatory variables and the dependent variable in the model were performed. The study employed the application software E-View 7.0. The results of ADF and PP roots tests indicate that the series are unit roots free. The co integration of the variables using Residual Unit Roots test, which is appropriate in this study, indicates long run relationships among the series. The use of Recursive Residual Technique shows that the variables are stable. The model has an explanatory power of 78 percent specifically adjusted for the degrees of freedom with regard to the explanatory variables. The DW statistics value of 1.82 indicates the absence of serial correlation. The F- probability value of 0.0000 reports that there is a simultaneous linear relationship between the dependent variable and all the explanatory variables combined. This suggests that the joint effects of all the included variables in the model are significant in explaining firm performance of the First Bank Nigeria PLC. The study revealed that the explanatory variables significantly impact on firm performance of First Bank Nigeria PLC. In view of the research findings planning the improvement in board committee, audit committee, board size and corporate governance disclosure index will help to increase firm performance of organizations among others.

The Nigerian indigenous loom has always been a vehicle for cultural preservation. The indigenous weaving techniques are passed down through generations. Despite the enormous commercial viability of loom technology in Nigeria, this traditional technology faces several challenges. Some of these challenges include heavy weight of the fabric, inadequate knowledge of the commercial potential of the fabrics, lack of adequate access to modern weaving equipment, poor or little understanding of the traditional weaving equipment. Thus, there seems to be gradual loss of intricate techniques as a result of improper documentation. Consequently, the aim of the study was to explore the possibility of reducing the weight of this traditional woven fabric and to examine the equipment, materials, and techniques used in the Ebira fabric production with a focus on the looms used in the production of the fabrics. The research methods used in carrying out the study is exploratory method. Materials used in carrying out the research include yarns, loom and its different accessories. Efforts were made to produce modified traditional hand-woven fabrics with reduced weight. Thereafter, the modified hand-woven fabrics were used to produce different end uses for fashionable purposes. The study found out that it is possible to use the same traditional loom and its accessories that produced heavy weight fabrics to achieve lighter or reduced weight fabrics for contemporary uses. It was recommended that the Ebira woven fabrics should be explored so as to curb the unemployment menace happening in the country. It was also recommended that the Ebira people should commemorate their ceremonies with their traditional fabric (Ita-Inochi) for a better patronage and in turn, boost the state economy in particular and Nigeria in general.

A single-mother family refers to a nuclear unit where the mother is the primary caregiver for one or more children, often referred to as a mother-headed family. Single motherhood can be an overwhelming experience, given the numerous challenges faced while trying to care for their children and assume the roles of both parents. The study aimed to investigate the challenges, coping strategies, and social support systems available to single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government Area, Edo State. This study utilises Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, Role Theory, and Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping to explore the challenges and coping strategies of single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government, Edo State. The study utilized an exploratory qualitative design, employing thematic analysis to understand the lived experiences and coping strategies of single mothers in Ovia North-East LGA. The research focused on single mothers within the LGA, using purposive sampling and a researcher-developed interview guide to collect qualitative data. Data analysis involved transcribing interviews and identifying key themes, with ethical considerations such as informed consent and confidentiality maintained throughout the research. The study reveals that single mothers in Ovia North East Local Government Area, primarily young women aged 18-25, face challenges such as financial instability and emotional isolation, relying on informal networks, education, and religious support to cope due to the absence of formal assistance. The study recommends government support programs, access to education and skills training, strengthened social support networks, awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and improved access to healthcare and childcare services for single mothers.

Most industrial heat exchanger devices, such as condensers, boilers, furnaces, and pipelines
generate a certain amount of heat waste due to temperature gradient in the fluid. Leading to
reduction of the efficiency, increased emissions, and higher fuel consumption.
Thermoelectric generator (TEG) technology offers a sustainable solution by utilising the
waste heat to generate electricity. This project focuses on the performance of the TEG
process using the counter-flow heat exchanger and process control mechanism to monitor the
results evaluated from the different thermal transfer conditions. The primary objective is to
recover electricity from heat waste from industrial pipelines or heat exchanger devices, and to
assess the feasibility and predict the performance of TEG for sustainable power generation.
The experiment components are aluminium heat exchanger tubes, thermal paste, TEG
modules (SP1848-27145), thermal paste, Arudino, Voltage and Current sensor, 16X2 LCD
display, and Multimeter. The setup of the experiment utilised two aluminium heat tubes: the
upper tubes flowed with Hot water, while the lower part circulated with cooling water. The
five series modules were mounted between the surfaces of both heat exchanger tubes using
thermal paste to ensure heat transfer. The reading of the voltage and current values was
displayed using a 16X2 LCD with Arduino Nano or a Multimeter.
Experimental results show that the system successfully converted a measurable fraction of
waste heat into electrical energy. While the power output and efficiency were relatively low
compared to the total heat transfer across the exchanger tubes, the system achieved a
maximum output of 9.28 V and 3.17 W, with an efficiency of 14.5%. Based on the empirical
model, 5000 thermoelectric modules (TEMs) could generate a maximum power output of
3.17 kW when properly installed, which can improve the overall efficiency in the industrial
application.

This study examined the effect of electronic procurement on the organizational performance of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The specific objective was to assess how the various dimensions of e-procurement namely e-planning, e tendering, e-evaluation, e-award, and e-publishing influence organisational performance within the hospital. A quantitative research design was adopted, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 102 respondents comprising procurement officers, administrative staff, and management personnel. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as multiple regression technique with the aid of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The regression analysis showed that e-planning, e-evaluation, and e-publishing have significant positive effects on organisational performance. Conversely, e-tendering and e-award were found to be statistically insignificant. The study concluded that the adoption of electronic procurement improves operational efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public health institutions. However, inefficiencies in the e-tendering and e-award processes must be addressed through system enhancement, user training, and better policy integration. The study recommended continuous capacity-building programmes, regular system audits, and the reinforcement of transparency mechanisms to strengthen e-procurement effectiveness. It contributes to the growing body of knowledge on public sector digital transformation in Nigeria and underscores the role of electronic procurement in promoting institutional efficiency and sustainable public service delivery.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes (T2DM), represents a global health crisis characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. With projections estimating 783 million affected adults by 2045, current pharmacotherapies like metformin and sulfonylureas face limitations including side effects, high costs, and therapeutic inertia. This has spurred interest in medicinal plants as complementary therapies. Spondias mombin L. (hog plum), traditionally used in Nigeria for diabetes management, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, yet its molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of ethanol extract of S. mombin on insulin signaling pathway genes (IR-Insulin Receptor, AKT-AKT serine/theorine kinase, PPAR γ- Peroxisome Proliferator activated receptor Gamma, DPP-4- Dipeptidyl peptidases 4) in high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM rats, aiming to validate its ethnomedicinal use and elucidate gene-modulating potential. Male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were acclimatized, then divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1: normal control, Group 2: positive control, Group 3: diabetic control, Group 4: 200mg/kg of extract and Group 5: 400mg/kg of extract. T2DM was induced via 2-week HFD followed by low-dose STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.). Treatments were administered orally for 2 weeks. Body weights and organ weights (pancreas, liver) were measured. Liver RNA was isolated for semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, DPP-4. Results revealed diabetes-induced body weight loss (147 ± 9.56 g vs. 184.17 ± 11.92 g in controls), reduction in the weight of the pancreas (0.19 ± 0.04 g vs. 0.59 ± 0.14 g), and increase in liver weight (8.56 ± 0.25 g vs. 7.33 ± 0.53 g). Extract treatments restored body weights dose-dependently (189.11 ± 15.99 g at 200 mg/kg; 209.28 ± 17.74 g at 400 mg/kg), surpassing glipizide (170.79 ± 31.55 g). Pancreas weights increased to 0.29 ± 0.04 g and 0.32 ± 0.05 g, while liver weights normalized, indicating protective effects. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation in diabetic controls for IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, and DPP-4. Extract upregulated these genes dose-dependently, often exceeding glipizide, suggesting enhanced insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and metabolic regulation. These findings corroborate S. mombin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, likely driven by flavonoids and saponins, addressing T2DM's multifactorial nature. The extract's superiority over glipizide highlights its potential as a safe, affordable adjunct therapy, overcoming conventional limitations. This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting phytotherapy in T2DM management, contributing to natural product-based drug discovery. The research aligns with T2DM pathophysiology, involving disruptions in insulin signaling (e.g., IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, DPP-4) exacerbated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Literature highlights plants' multi-target actions, such as enhancing glucose uptake via PI3K/AKT activation and enzyme inhibition, positioning S. mombin as a candidate with validated antihyperglycemic effects in prior model

The aim of the study was to examine the End Special Anti-Robbery Squad (#EndSARS) protest from a semiotic perspective. The objectives were to investigate the meaning potential of #EndSARS text as a semiotic system; analyze signification strategies in the use of signs as presented by protesters on the internet; and explore the role and impact of signs in mobilizing participants and shaping the movement’s outcomes. The data for the study were media posts, memes, protest photographs, and artwork (cartoons). A total of 100 #EndSARS-related datasets were collected, and they were screened based on certain criteria such as, the need for the data to be exclusively #EndSARS, and the inclusion of the presence of either verbal or visual elements containing relevant keywords related to #EndSARS, which resulted in the eventual selection of thirty. The study adopted the sign typology by Charles Sanders Pierce to categorize the #EndSARS protest sign and used Saussure’s dyadic model of sign to analyze the data. The study found that the #EndSARS text functioned as a complex semiotic system, comprising various constituent units such as hashtags, images, slogans, and gestures, as well as the interactions among these units contributed to the #EndSARS text's overall meaning by highlighting the cyclical nature of societal challenges in Nigeria. Signification strategy of color (red, yellow, black, and green), gestures (raised fist, raised flag, and sitting of protesters), attire (hijab, hair tie, and face mask) was employed by agitators as sign of resistance, urgency, justice for the Nigerian youths, and socio-political change. Hashtags like #ENDSARS, #ENDSWAT, #ENDPOLICEBRUTALITY and #ALUTA CONTINUA were used in mobilizing participants by creating a sense of solidarity and collective identity among protesters.

Sphenocentrum jollyanum is a member of the diverse family of plants which is known as Menispermaceae. It is a perennial plant which thrives in deep shade, from sea-level up to 400m altitude. Extract of this plant has been successfully used as anti-diabetic,anti-bacterial, and antioxidant agents. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of methanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum on biochemical (liver, kidney), antioxidant, hormonal and histopathological parameters of male Wistar rats. A total of twenty-five male Wistar rats were used for this study and equally distributed into five groups. Group 1 served as control, while other groups were the test groups. Group 2 received 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, Group 3, 4 and 5 received graded doses of 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg, and 500mg/kg body weight of methanol leaf extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum respectively. Prior to the commencement of the study, the animals were acclimatized for two weeks. The extract was orally administered to the rats, and after twenty-eight days, the rats were sacrificed, and biochemical and histopathological assays were carried out. Results from this study showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) activity in the group that received 100mg/kg and 500mg/kg body weight of the extract respectively, when compared to that of the control group. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in albumin and total protein concentration in the 500mg/kg body weight test group, compared to that of control. The study also showed a significant increase (P < 0.05) in total sperm cell count in the group administered 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, compared to that of the control group. There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in the 100mg/kg body weight test group, compared to the control group. There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in creatinine concentration in the 200mg/kg, 500mg/kg body weight, and the group that received 0.7mg/kg of sildenafil citrate, compared to the control group. Histopathological findings from this study showed a normal testes and prostate gland. The methanol leafe extract of Sphenocentrum jollyanum also showed a high reducing power during Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assay when compared to standard ascorbic acid.

Procreation was an important moral issue, and to ensure that both men and women are potent enough to procreate, aphrodisiacs were used to correct sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction is basically the inability to achieve a normal sexual intercourse, and this include premature or quick ejaculation, inhibited ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, and orgasmic disorder (Kotta et al., 2013). In the 1990s, scientists carried out research work on aphrodisiacs and the first pharmacological remedy for impotence, Viagra (sildenafil) was approved. In a bid to look
for an agent that arouses sexual desire (aphrodisiac) with fewer side effects, the hunt for natural supplement from medicinal plants was intensified. Aphrodisiac plants have since been discovered and they have been pharmacologically tested in animals