Master Dissertation

The study assessed the influence of Principals’ Innovative Supervisory Skills on teachers’ effectiveness in public secondary schools in Edo South Senatorial District of Edo State, Nigeria. To guide the study, six (6) research questions were raised, and four (4) hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Fisher Z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey of correlational design. The population comprised. 136 principals from the public secondary schools in Edo South Senatorial District, while a sample of 14 principals and 126 teachers was selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Two instruments titled: the Principals' Innovative Supervisory Skills Questionnaire (PISSQ) which consist of two sections, section A and B and Teachers’ Effectiveness Questionnaire (TEQ) which also had two sections A and B were used to collect data for the study. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Fisher’s Z-test were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that principals utilize various innovative supervisory skills and that teachers demonstrate a high level of effectiveness. The findings also revealed that there was no significant relationship between principals’ innovative supervisory skills and teachers’ effectiveness. The findings also revealed that gender, educational qualification, and years of experience of principals did not significantly influence teachers' effectiveness. Based on the findings, it was recommended that school principals should attend workshops, seminars and training programmes to improve their supervisory skills. Principals should maintain open and effective communication with teachers. The findings also recommend provision of technological facilities in schools’ regular supervision, and enhanced professional development opportunities for teachers.

Acanthamoeba species are free-living protozoa commonly found in water sources and are recognized causes of Acanthamoeba keratitis, particularly among contact lens wearers. Reticulated bore-hole water is widely used in many communities, yet data on its contamination with Acanthamoeba and the effectiveness of multipurpose contact lens solutions against these organisms remain limited. This study investigated the prevalence and species distribution of Acanthamoeba in reticulated bore-hole water and evaluated the efficacy of selected multipurpose contact lens solutions in reducing Acanthamoeba counts. A total of 36 reticulated bore-hole water samples were collected and cultured for Acanthamoeba species using standard parasitological techniques. For Acanthamoeba detection, 500ml of water was passed through a 0.45µm cellulose nitrate membrane filter. Prepared non-nutrient agar plates were seeded with heat-killed Escherichia coli. Cultures were incubated at 32ºC for Amoebic growth and examined microscopically. Isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics of trophozoite and cyst stages. The effects of three multipurpose contact lens solutions—FreesolTM, RefreshTM, and FreshlookTM—on Acanthamoeba counts were assessed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan’s multiple range test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Acanthamoeba species were detected in 32 (88.9%) of the water samples, yielding a total of 209 isolates and a mean intensity of 6.53 detections per positive sample. Ten species were identified, with Acanthamoeba royreba showing the highest prevalence (17.7%), followed by A. polyphaga (11.96%), A. lenticulata and A. mauritaniensis (11.0% each). All contact lens solutions significantly reduced Acanthamoeba counts compared with pre-treatment levels (p < 0.05). Freesol achieved the greatest reduction (98 ± 9.5), followed by Refresh (101 ± 12.5), while Freshlook showed the least reduction (170 ± 22.0). None of the solutions completely eliminated Acanthamoeba. This study showed that reticulated bore-hole water harbored a high prevalence of potentially pathogenic Acanthamoeba species. Although multipurpose contact lens solutions significantly reduce Acanthamoeba burden, complete elimination was not achieved, highlighting the organism’s resistance and the continued risk of exposure. Strict adherence to proper contact lens hygiene and avoidance of bore-hole water use are essential to reduce the risk of Acanthamoeba infection.

The study investigated mentorship practices and career development of business
educators in public universities in Edo and Delta States, Nigeria. Six research
questions guided the study and six corresponding hypotheses were tested at 0.05 alpha
level of significance. The study employed a correlational survey research design. The
population of the study consisted of fifty-eight (58) business educators in four public
universities in Edo and Delta States. As a result of the manageable size of the
population, the entire population was used as the sample size, hence census. The
instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire.
The instrument was validated by two experts from the Department of Business
Education and a Psychometrician from the Department of Educational Evaluation and
Counseling Psychology (EECP), all in the University of Benin. To establish the
reliability of the instrument, a pilot test was carried out on 20 business educators in
Tai Solarin University of Education, Ogun State, who were not part of the study’s
sample. The data collected were analyzed using test-retest statistics to determine its
internal consistency, and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained. The instrument
for the study was administered to the respondents in their respective institutions with
the help of four research assistants; that is one for each. The return rate was 100%.
The data collected were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation and Pearson
Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) with the aid of the Statistical
Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Mean and Standard Deviation were
used to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation
Coefficient was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level of significance.
The findings revealed that there was a significant and strong relationship
between mentorship practices and career development of business educators in public
universities in Edo and Delta States. The study therefore, concluded that mentorship
practices significantly correlate with the career development of business educators in
public universities in Edo and Delta States. The study recommended, among others,
that universities should establish standardized and well-structured mentorship
programmes and ensure equitable access to effective mentorship for all business
educators.

Healthcare accessibility is pertinent to community development. The ease of accessibility of healthcare to the community has a positive impact on the members of the community and by extension serves as a factor for community development. This study was conducted to determine the factors affecting healthcare accessibility in relation to community development in the Arougba and Evbuotubu communities of Benin City, Edo State. The specific objectives were to examine the physical, financial, and administrative accessibility of healthcare facilities, as well as to investigate the awareness of healthcare utilization among residents. The study adopted a descriptive and correlational survey research design. The population of the study was 18,223 residents of Arougba and Evbuotubu communities of Benin City. The sample size was determined by the Yamane (1967) formular as 391.Structured questionnaire was the research instrument. Pearson’s correlation was used to test the hypothetical relationships between the dimensions of accessibility and community development. The findings indicated that physical accessibility (r = -0.341, p < 0.01) and financial accessibility (r = -0.518, p < 0.01) have significant negative relationships with community development, driven by deplorable road conditions and high out-of-pocket costs that strain household budgets. On the other hand, administrative accessibility (r = 0.528, p < 0.01) and awareness of utilisation (r = 0.691, p < 0.01) were found to have significant positive impacts on development. The study concludes that while the community is wellinformed and administratively supported, structural and economic barriers remain the primary inhibitors of progress. Consequently, the study recommends that the government prioritise road rehabilitation and implement inclusive health insurance schemes to reduce financial burdens and enhance the overall utilization of healthcare facilities for sustainable community development.

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally due to its high compressive strength, durability, and versatility. However, its inherent low tensile strength and brittle nature limit its performance under tensile and dynamic loading conditions. To overcome these limitations, fibre reinforcement has emerged as an effective technique for enhancing the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. This study examines the behaviour and performance of fibre-reinforced concrete, with particular emphasis on steel and synthetic fibres, which are among the most commonly used fibre types in modern construction. The study reviews the influence of fibre content, orientation, aspect ratio, and type on the mechanical properties of concrete, including strength, toughness, ductility, crack resistance, and residual load-bearing capacity. Findings indicate that the incorporation of fibres transforms concrete from a brittle material into a more ductile composite, thereby improving its structural performance and durability. Furthermore, the study highlights the growing application of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials as alternatives to conventional steel reinforcement due to their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and enhanced toughness. The research concludes that fibre reinforcement significantly improves the overall performance of concrete and offers a promising solution for achieving more durable and resilient structures. It recommends further experimental investigations into the combined effects of different fibre types and mix designs to optimize the performance of fibre-reinforced concrete in various engineering applications.

Managing contracts and procurement effectively relies on clear processes, skilled staff, andcontinuous oversight to ensure efficiency, accountability, and value delivery. Whentheseelements are weak, projects suffer delays, costs escalate, and disputes arise. Even withreformsintroduced globally and across Africa, poor contract execution, bureaucracy, and corruptionstill
hamper procurement and erode public trust. This research explores contract and procurement
practices in Egor Local Government Area, aiming to identify obstacles and suggest waystoimprove them. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study focused onsmall
construction firms in Egor LGA, Edo State. Thirty participants were carefully chosen fromthreefirms, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The information was analysedthematically, highlighting challenges and solutions while maintaining credibility andethical
standards. Findings showed that Nigerian firms generally follow procurement rules designedtoensure fairness and accountability, yet projects often face delays due to corruption, governancegaps, and limited technological adoption. The research also revealed that Egor firms strugglewith implementing fair contracts, largely because of weak oversight and corrupt practices, withimprovements possible through staff involvement, external benchmarking, and independent
monitoring. Strengthening transparency, accountability, and governance through digital tools, compliance measures, and collaboration among stakeholders emerged as critical, althoughweakenforcement remains a barrier. Finally, reforms need to combine digital solutions withrobust
governance, accountability, and strategies tailored to local contexts. Overall, procurement inEgor Local Government companies is hindered by bureaucracy, corruption, and governanceweaknesses. Enhancing efficiency and transparency requires better governance, stakeholderengagement, and digital tools. Recommended actions include stronger enforcement, adoptionofdigital systems, staff training, and increased collaboration among stakeholders toboost
transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness

The study examines the legal and institutional frameworks for combating public corruption in Nigeria and proposes reforms to enhance accountability and governance. The objectives are twofold: to examine the existing legal framework for anti-corruption efforts and to recommend measures for reducing corruption in the public sector. The study adopted a doctrinal research methodology, case method, providing a historical overview of Nigeria’s anti- corruption institutions and their successes and limitations. Findings indicate that despite the implementation of various preventive and punitive measures, corruption remains widespread due to weak enforcement, limited transparency, and institutional inefficiencies. The analysis demonstrates that strengthening accountability mechanisms through both answerability and enforceability of public officials can improve the efficiency of the public sector and ensure national resources are directed toward development initiatives. The study contributes to knowledge proposing for a holistic and proactive legal framework to make public institutions in the country to be independent in order to be able to drive the policy of the country rather than being built around individuals. Based on the findings, the study recommends enhancing institutional capacity, improving enforcement of anti-corruption laws, promoting transparency, and cultivating a culture of integrity among public officials. Overall, the research underscores that legal and institutional reforms are essential for reducing corruption, improving governance, and ensuring that public resources are effectively managed to achieve sustainable national development

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.