Master Dissertation

This study investigated the influence of social anxiety and self-esteem on academic adjustment in Edo State Polytechnic Usen. To guide the study, three (03) research questions were raised and four hypotheses. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, the population of this study consisted of (1132) one thousand, one hundred and thirty-two students from five departments, (114) one hundred, fourteen students formed the sample size. The instruments used for the study was a questionnaire titled: social anxiety and self-esteem on academic adjustment scale questionnaire (SASEAASQ). The instrument was validated by the researcher supervisor and two experts in the department of Educational Evaluation and Counseling Psychology. Cronbach Alpha Statistics was used to establish the reliability which gave the values of .637, .514 and .710 respectively. Data were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation which was used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that students of Edo State polytechnic Usen have a high level of social anxiety, high level of self-esteem and high level of academic adjustment. Based on the findings, it was recommended that holding workshops and seminars for students at the beginning of each academic year to alleviate their feeling of stress and social anxiety and to raise the level of their self-esteem and promoting the participation of students with low self- esteem in social activities, collaborative work and social engagements to help them form a positive self-image these can better their academic adjustment, also applying social anxiety tests to students at different level, encourage students to trust themselves.

The study examined English Language teachers’ instructional and feedback practices in the teaching of essay writing in secondary schools in Delta State. To guide the study, seven research questions were raised out of which four were hypothesized and tested at the 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design, integrating quantitative survey responses with qualitative observation protocols. All the 121 English Language teachers in Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State made up the population of the study. A total of 106 (51 males and 55 females) secondary school English Language teachers participated in the study. Two research instruments, a questionnaire tagged “Teachers’ Instructional and Feedback Practices in the Teaching of Secondary School English Language Writing in Delta State” (r-0.89) and an observation schedule titled "Teachers’ Instructional and Feedback Practices in the Teaching of Secondary School English Language Writing in Delta State" (r -0.91) were used for data collection in the study. The instruments were duly validated and their reliability ascertained. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as independent samples t-tests and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to assess differences based on sex and years of teaching experience. Findings revealed that teachers generally reported moderate to high use of instructional strategies, including modeling, scaffolding, and guided writing processes. However, classroom observation data showed a lower frequency and quality of those practices in actual teaching. Similarly, while teachers claimed to provide timely and constructive feedback—primarily through written comments and verbal conferencing—observations indicated that such feedback was less frequent and less detailed during instruction. Support strategies for struggling writers, such as differentiation and one-on-one support, were also reported more often than observed in practice. Notably, a significant sex difference was found in instructional practices, with female teachers reporting higher levels of use of the identified instructional practices than male teachers. No significant differences were found in feedback or support practices based on sex or years of experience. The study concludes that sex was a significant factor influencing instructional practices but not feedback practices, while teaching experience did not significantly impact either. These findings suggest that good writing instruction depends not merely on teacher characteristics but also on pedagogical training, exposure to best practices, and institutional support. It was therefore recommended that the gap between what teachers say and what they actually do should be fixed by concerned authorities through the provisions of the necessary resources and training needed to support teachers' implementation of effective instructional and feedback practices.

Reports indicate that cerebellar disorders are induced by exposure to heavy metals, such as Mercury, via oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and Purkinje cell apoptosis, thus disrupting motor coordination and cognitive processing. Catechin (CA), a flavonoid in green tea, exhibits antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a potential therapeutic agent against heavy metal toxicity. This study investigated the activity of catechin in the cerebellum of Wistar rats exposed to Mercury chloride. Sixty-four Wistar rats were randomly assigned into eight groups (n=8), and treated for twenty-eight days, as follows; A (control), B (5 mg/kg body weight [bw] of mercury chloride [HgCl2]), C (10 mg/kg bw of CA and HgCl2), D (20 mg/kg bw of CA and HgCl2), E (200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E and HgCl2), F (10 mg/kg bw of Catechin only), G (20 mg/kg bw of Catechin only) and H (200 mg/kg bw of Vitamin E only). Thereafter, weights, neurobehavioral activities, mercury concentration, antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, and histology of the cerebellum were assessed. In-silico studies were utilized to investigate multi-targeted protective potential of catechin, by assessing its interactions with key mediators of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Findings showed that HgCl₂ treatment significantly decreased (p<0.05) body weight and antioxidant enzymes, while significantly increasing (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation, mercury concentration, and neurobehavioral deficits, with cerebellar histology revealing Purkinje cell alterations, vacuolations, and pyknotic nuclei. Conversely, groups pre-treated with CA showed an attenuation of the HgCl2-induced adverse effects. In-silico results showed catechin bound more strongly to Nrf2, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-ĸB, and Caspase-3 than amantadine and riluzole, highlighting its multi-targeted antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic potential.
This study highlights catechin as a safe, natural therapeutic for HgCl2-induced cerebellar disorder, offering a promising alternative to conventional drugs with fewer side effects Furtherstudies exploring the translational application of catechin in clinical trials are recommended

he study aimed to examine British economic activities with particular emphasis on forest resources exploitation and utilisation in the Benin Province of colonial Nigeria. The objectives of the study were, to examine the background to the British colonial forest exploitation in Benin, to examine the Pre-colonial Benin forest and utilisation, to examine colonial rule forest policy and exploitation in Benin Province. Furthermore, to elucidate the processes of forest exploitation and utilisation in colonial Benin, and to analyse the impacts of forest exploitation on the local people and their environment. Both primary and secondary data were used in this study. The primary data included oral tradition, archival materials, and unpublished dissertation and thesis. The secondary data include published books, journals, newspapers, and magazines. The Internet was also sourced for materials and Internet sources. The primary data including oral interviews were obtained through unstructured interviews, visits to the national archive, Ibadan and the National Institute for Benin study. The secondary data were collected from different libraries such as the John Harris Library University of Benin, Department of Agricultural Science Library University of Benin, Kenneth Dike Library University of Ibadan, and online libraries such as the Jstor Library and Research Gate Library. The various data collected were subjected to critical analysis and interpretations to arrive at an objective conclusion. Qualitative analysis is the process of gathering, evaluating and interpreting non-numerical data such as interviews, raw documents like archival materials as well as textbooks and journal articles to create new
research ideas or get a deeper understanding of concepts, views, experiences, or events. The research found out from the bacKground of the study that British interest in Benin territory was motivated by economic reasons. In addition, the study found out that before the British rule, the people of Benin had an effective management of their forest to the extent that it was beneficial to the overall interest of everyone. The work also found that consequent upon British rule, forest policy became an integral aspect of the British authorities in the province. Furthermore, the study established that complex techniques and strategies were adopted in the exploitation and utilisation of timber forest products. More so, the study found out that forest exploitation had economic, socio-political and environmental impacts on the local people

Isoniazid is a widely used drug in tuberculosis treatment regimens. Its application in “direct observed therapy short course ”(DOTS) along with other medications has been well documented to be efficacious and effective. However, since its introduction over 70 years ago, it has been found to possess adverse effects such as the induction of neuropathies. There are estimates that as many as 10 % of patients receiving isoniazid will develop some form of neuropathy. Introduction of new medications to stop these neuropathies still pose a challenge. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) is currently recommended with isoniazid therapy to avert induction of neuropathy. Although ,the potential of vitamin C as an antioxidant to prevent induced neuropathies has been suggested based on previous studies, the findings from this study were intended to contribute valuable i sights into the potential therapeutic role of vitamin C as an adjuvant to mitigate neuropathic complications in isoniazid- based therapies. Using well-established animal models, we assessed the effects of vitamin C supplementation on the development and progression of some neuropathic symptoms induced by isoniazid administration. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control, isoniazid-treated (800 mg/kg), and combination-treated; Isoniazid with vitamin C in low (7.5 mg/kg), medium (15mg/kg), high (30 mg/kg) daily doses and isoniazid with pyridoxine (50 mg/kg). Behavioural assessments, including sensory and motor function tests, were conducted at the end of a seven day period to monitor the onset and severity of neuropathy. In conclusion, our findings revealed that isoniazid administration led to a significant decline in sensory and motor functions indicative of peripheral nerve damage. Vitamin C supplementation did not demonstrate a remarkable attenuation of these neuropathic manifestations. Rats co- administered with isoniazid and vitamin C did not exhibit any improvement in sensory and motor functions when compared with the control and standard therapy of pyridoxine. These results negate the potential neuroprotective effects of vitamin C against isoniazid-induced
peripheral neuropathy

This study analyzed the nutritional and functional properties of moringa root, leaf, and seed including the awareness and utilization of the plant among different demographic groups inEdo State. The research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining laboratory analysis (quasi experimental design) and survey methods. The sample size for the study is 180, representing 10% of the population; 80 market women, 60 community men and 40 community youths. Proximate analysis was conducted to determine the moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate content of moringa seeds and leaves. Additionally, the mineral composition of the leaves was examined to assess their micronutrient profile. A structured and validated questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of public awareness and demographic differences (age and gender) regarding the nutritional and functional benefits of moringa. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha Coefficient of 0.99. Findings from the study indicated that moringa is rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins (A, B, C, D, and E), minerals (calcium 641.2mg/100, iron 18.14mg/100, phosphorus 71.1mg/100, potassium 26.1.1mg/100), proteins 27.61%, crude fat 2.5%, carbohydrate 47.09%, Ash content 9.25%, fibre fat 10.11% and antioxidants (Alkaloids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids and steriods. The functional properties of moringa include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer effects, making it highly beneficial for human health. Despite these benefits, public awareness and utilization remain significantly low, particularly among younger demographics (15-20years). Indicating that the awareness increases significantly with age, (aged 45 and above). The study also revealed that moringa can serve as a viable alternative for addressing malnutrition (x̄= 2.86), terminal x ailments (x̄= 2.87), lactation (x̄= 2.93), cooking (x̄= 2.92), tea (x̄=3.13), improving food security, and enhancing economic development through commercial cultivation and product fortification. Based on these findings, the study recommended amongst others; increased public awareness campaigns, integration of moringa into government nutrition programs, promotion of large-scale cultivation, and encouragement of moringa-based industries for food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals

The Implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) has gained significance in
improving healthcare delivery globally. This study aims to conduct a comparative study on the implementation of EHRs in the private and public sectors for health care delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. The general objective of this study was to assess the role and implementation of electronic health record to selected private and public sector for healthcare delivery in Edo state. The research was to explore the current state of EHR implementation in both sectors, identify the barriers and challenges faced during implementation, and analyze the impact of EHRs on healthcare quality and efficiency in Edo state. A mixed-methods research approach was employed, incorporating quantitative data collection through surveys and qualitative data collection through interviews and focus. The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of EHR implementation in the private and public sectors in Edo state and will inform policymakers and healthcare professionals on best practices and strategies to maximize the benefits of EHR adoption for improved healthcare delivery in Edo state, Nigeria. Specifically, it recommended that the selected health institutions both public and private should ensure the availability of finances, adequate staff training in the technical know-how of the technological advancement, also be technical infrastructures and manpower like electronic record managers, ICT support staff and computer medical devices. This research will contribute to the existing literature on EHR in the context private and
public health care delivery in Edo state and Nigeria, where few research has been conducted on this topic

This study explored the Influence of Social Media on the Mental Health of Mass Communication Undergraduates in Select Universities in Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were Examine the extent of the use of social media by Mass Communication undergraduates in select universities in Edo State, identify specific platforms and their impact, find out the influence of the use of social media on the mental health, highlight contributing mental health factors, and determine the challenges students face as a result of social media engagement. The research adopted a descriptive survey design and in-depth interviews. A structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 490 students drawn from the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Benin City, Edo University Iyamho, and Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, was used to generate data. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics percentages, frequency tables, means, and standard deviations and inferential tools. Findings revealed a high level of social media usage among respondents. While a significant number of respondents acknowledged that social media positively influenced their well-being through positive interactions others reported adverse effects such as low self-esteem, distraction from academic work and increased anxiety.
Key challenges faced by students included academic distraction, online bullying, and sleep disruption. These findings support the social comparison and the uses and gratifications tenets adopted for this study. This suggests that the motivations behind social media use, and how individuals interpret content, significantly influence its psychological impact. The study concludes that although social media can foster emotional connection and engagement, it simultaneously exposes students to psychological vulnerabilities. It recommends that universities implement digital literacy programmes, provide mental health support services, and promote balanced digital habits among students.

Remittance inflows and foreign direct investment (FDI) are widely acknowledged as vital external financing sources for developing countries, providing resources that can foster capital formation, employment, and economic transformation. In Nigeria, however, the extent to which these financial inflows contribute to sustained economic growth has been debated, with mixed evidence emerging across different periods and studies. Against this background, the study aimed to assess the short-and long-run effects of remittance inflows and FDI on real gross domestic product in Nigeria from 1981 to 2022.
The research was anchored on growth theories that emphasized the role of capital inflows in augmented domestic savings and investment, particularly the neoclassical growth model. Using time series data spanning 42 years, the study employed correlation analysis, Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root tests, Johansen cointegration test, and the Error Correction model to investigate the stationarity properties of the variables, their long run relationships, and the dynamics of adjustment between the short run and long run.
The findings revealed that FDI exerted a positive significant impact on economic growth in the short but an adverse and insignificant effect in the long run in Nigeria. Conversely, remittances had an insignificant effect in the short run but it contributed positively and significantly to long run growth. Base on these outcomes, the study recommended that policy reforms should prioritize quality over quantity of FDI, strengthen domestic value chains, improve the business environment and channel remittances through innovative mechanisms such as diaspora bonds and matched savings programs to promote sustainable economic growth.

This study examined the influence of family communication and sociocultural factors on the intellectual Pursuit of women after marriage in Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to analyse how family communication and sociocultural dynamics shape women's intellectual trajectories post-marriage. Specifically, it explored the impact of different family communication styles on women’s confidence and motivation for continued education and professional growth, as well as the influence of sociocultural expectations and gender norms on educational opportunities and personal development. Additionally, the study investigated the intersectionality of ethnicity, class, and geographic location with family communication and sociocultural norms as well as family communication practices, educational policies, and community programmes aimed at enhancing women’s intellectual engagement and success.

Grounded in Family Communication Patterns Theory, Gender Role Theory, Ecological Systems Theory and Genderlect Styles Theory, the study employed a descriptive-correlational design using a mixed-methods approach. A sample of 385 married women was selected using the Taro Yamane formula for calculating sample size, drawn from a population of 9,802 across Egor, Oredo, and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Reliability testing using Cronbach Alpha Statistics yielded a coefficient of 0.76.
Findings revealed that the interaction of family communication and sociocultural factors, including ethnicity, class, geographic location, and family financial status, shapes women’s learning experiences and cognitive outcomes (grand mean = 3.90; highest-rated item mean = 4.01). Conversely, supportive family practices, educational policies, and community programmes are strongly endorsed as effective strategies to enhance women’s intellectual pursuit post-marriage, particularly adult learning policies and lifelong learning workshops (grand mean = 4.23). Furthermore, there is a strong, positive, and statistically significant relationship between family communication and women’s intellectual pursuit after marriage (r = 0.62, p = 0.000). Finally there is a moderate, negative, and statistically significant relationship between sociocultural factors such as gender roles/limited access to educational resources and women’s intellectual development after marriage (r = -0.57, p = 0.000). The study rejected the null hypotheses, confirming significant relationships among the variables. The study concluded that, open and supportive family communication, enhances the intellectual development of married women. In conclusion, the study revealed that, the interaction between family communication and Socio-cultural dynamics can either amplify or suppress intellectual development. Based on these findings, it recommends fostering supportive family environments, revising educational policies, and initiating community-based programmes that promote lifelong learning among married women. These measures are vital for advancing intellectual equity and enhancing opportunities for women in marital contexts.