PGD Project

Air pollution is a growing concern in Nigeria, with significant implications for public health and the environment. This study provides a comparative assessment of air quality in Kano and Bayelsa states from 2019 to 2024 using Sentinel-5P satellite data. The study focuses on key pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and aerosols, to evaluate spatial and temporal variations in air quality between the most populated (Kano) and least populated (Bayelsa) states in Nigeria. The research utilizes remote sensing techniques, Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, and statistical methods to analyze pollutant concentrations and identify trends over the study period. Results indicate that air pollution levels in Kano are primarily influenced by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and seasonal dust storms, leading to high NO₂ and aerosol concentrations. In contrast, Bayelsa's air quality is significantly impacted by gas flaring and petroleum-related activities, with elevated CO levels being a major concern. Statistical analysis reveals notable differences in pollutant concentrations between the two states, showing that Kano state consistently has higher Aerosol and NO2 levels than Bayelsa state, and Bayelsa state consistently has higher
CO concentrations than Kano state. These results emphasize the role of population density and industrialization in shaping air quality patterns. The study also highlights the influence of population on air pollution, showing that while high population density in Kano contributes to increased emissions, Bayelsa's lower population does not necessarily translate to better air quality due to intensive industrial activities. These findings emphasize the need for targeted air quality management strategies tailored to the unique pollution sources in each state.
Policies should focus on enhancing emission regulations for industries in Bayelsa and implementing stricter vehicular emission controls in Kano. Expanding air quality monitoring infrastructure and promoting clean energy alternatives are also recommended to mitigate pollution impacts. The study contributes to a deeper understanding of regional air quality variations in Nigeria, providing valuable insights for policymakers and environmental health practitioners.

This report details the design, fabrication, and testing of a system for producing dry powdered akamu, a traditional Nigerian porridge made from fermented corn, sorghum, or millet. Akamu is an important dietary staple in Nigeria, however its high moisture content and short shelf life pose preservation challenges. Converting akamu to a dry powder form can extend its shelf life for
storage and distribution. The aim of this project was to develop a process for producing preservable akamu powder. The device utilizes a vapor compression refrigeration cycle for air dehumidification coupled with electric heating to create optimal drying conditions. A control system consisting of an Arduino microcontroller which monitors and controls the operation of
the device based off key operational parameters of temperature and humidity. Data on changes in said parameter was collected to evaluate its operation. Sample of akamu with a 53% moisture content (w.b) was successfully dried to 26% moisture content (w.b). Test also showed the device capability to rival available commercial dehydrators, with the device removed 3% more wet
mass in its normal operation than when solely heat driven (as most commercial dehydrator). The relationship between akamu layer thickness and moisture removal rate was also experimentally determined. The project demonstrates a practical approach to converting high-moisture akamu into a stable powder through an energy-efficient drying process. Controlling air dehumidification and temperature enabled high product quality and shelf life extension. Further work is recommended to enhance efficiency, evaluate nutritional changes, and assess commercialization feasibility. Overall, the project advances preservation technologies for an important traditional Nigerian food.

This study was conducted to examine the development of feed grades (25%, 50%, 70%) using sweet potato (Ipomoea batata L.) leaf meal and tuber peels. The experimental work was carried out in the main laboratory Unit of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo, Benin City, Edo State. The feed grades of sweet potato (Ipomoea batata L.) leaf meal and tuber peels include 100% Leaf Meal, 100% Tuber peels, 25% Leaf Meal + 75% Tuber peels, 50% Leaf Meal + 50% Tuber peels and 75% Leaf Meal + 25% Tuber peels. Data collected include proximate and mineral composition and were subjected to statistical analysis using Analysis of Variance ANOVA of GenStat Statistical package and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test of the same GenStat package. Based on the findings in this study, it is evident that the proximate composition of sweet potato (Ipomoea batata L.) leaf meal and tuber peels varies significantly across different grades. The highest dry matter content (89.95%) was observed in the 100 tuber peels grade, the 100% Leaf Meal grade showed the highest (14.96%) crude protein content. Moreover, the 100% Leaf Meal grade also indicate the highest (4.737%) ether extract content, which could contribute to energy density in feed formulations while 100%Leaf Meal grade contained the highest (14.450%) crude fiber content, the ash content was higher (13.163) in leaf meal grades compared to tuber peels, indicating differences in mineral composition. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to incorporate sweet potato leaf meal and tuber peels in feed formulations, tailored to meet specific dietary requirements. The findings showed that100 Leaf Meal grade consistently gave the highest proximate and
mineral element, 100% Leaf Meal grade is therefore recommended as diet for animal production.

In this study, we focused on the design and fabrication of a yam pounding machine that performs the hygienic processing of pounded yam, eliminates the laborious process involved in pounding yam and to minimize the time for processing pounded yam. The machine was fabricated using mild steel, stainless steel, pulleys, belt and shaft. A type A43 belt was used (V-belt), the depth of the bowl is 425mm, length, width and thickness of the beater is 148 x 51 x 16 mm. The diameter of the driving pulley is 70mm and the diameter of the driven pulley is 210mm. The length and breathe of 650mm by 760mm. The result from the testing showed that the yam pounding machine produced a hygienic and well processed pounded yam in a lesser time. It totally eliminated the laborious involved in pounding. The efficiency of the machine was 88.171%N which is fair for a locally fabricated machine. Given that some percentage was lost due to the vibration from the motor.

Solvent- impregnated sorbent extraction of tantalum is reported. Tantalum was effectively extracted with 3500C carbonized and activated with 0.5 M hydrofluoric acid and impregnated with methyl isobutyl ketone from hydrofluoric acid leached tantalite ore. The transport study of tantalum ions through a supported solvent-impregnated based sorbent (coconut shell) has been carried out using a design expert (RSM). Factors affecting extraction of tantalum was studied via pH, temperature and contact time is discussed. The final extracts of tantalum complex were directly inserted after colour development in the spectrophotometer for absorbance measurement which enhances the sensitivity. It was observed that at a pH of 1, a temperature of 28oC and at a contact time of 5 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was decreased to 53.37% and it was observed that at a pH of 1, an increased temperature of 68oC and at a contact time of 30 minutes, the percentage (%) tantalum extraction was increased to 91.55%. the sorbent under study can therefore be used as alternative in order to reduce the high cost of conventional adsorbent used in extraction management.

This study empirically examines the impact of audit committee attributes (including a vector of control variables) on the financial performance of Nigerian deposit-taking banks from 2014 to 2020. and Capital Adequacy - CAR). These indicators include audit committee size, audit committee independence, frequency of audit committee meetings, audit committee financial strength, board independence, bank size, and interest rates (deposit bank lending interest rate proxy) were regressed separately. Thirteen listed depository banks were surveyed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, pooled OLS, and panel data estimation techniques. Empirical results show that the attributes (characteristics) of audit committees significantly influence the financial performance of Nigerian deposit-taking banks. In particular, the size of the audit committee, the independence of the audit committee, the financial expertise of the audit committee, the frequency of meetings, and the independence of the board (a measure of corporate governance) have a positive and significant impact. increase. About the financial performance of depository banks. Further evidence shows that bank size has a significant positive impact on ROE, but this impact on capital adequacy is positive, albeit weak. Finally, the interest rate variable (a measure of the interest rates that depository banks lend to highly trustworthy customers) is negatively related to financial performance using ROE as a measure, but positively related to financial performance using capital adequacy ratios. there is. Used as a measure of financial position. In light of these findings, it is recommended that sound, robust and efficient audit committee attributes and corporate governance/structures be institutionalized and operationalized to improve the financial performance of Nigerian depository banks.

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the information needs of cocoa farmers in Edo and Ondo states. Specifically, the study was conducted to investgate the information needs assessment of cocoa farmers; ascertain the farmers’ preference for cocoa information sources; examine cocoa farmers information needs and farmers search behavior and examine cocoa
farmers’ constraints to information accessibility in the study area. Multistage random sampling procedure was used to select 432 respondents while a structured interview schedule was used to solicit information from the respondents.
The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Binary logit regression, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and 2x2 matrix used to establish the priorities mean score). The result revealed that the mean age of cocoa farmers was 52 years while majorities (70.4%) of the farmers were male. Majorities (35.4%) of the farmers had formal
education, higher membership of a group (93.5%) and were married (80.3%). Majority (74.3%) of the cocoa farmers’ cultivated farm lands of less than 10 hectares with a mean farming experience of 22 years. This study revealed that the most prominent sources of information wasinput dealers/suppliers (( =2.86±0.40), while Television (
=2.80±0.50) and face to face advice by other farmers ( =2.76±0.56), extension posters=2.87±0.45) were the most preferred among the institutional bodies, mass media electronics, print media and traditional sources of information respectively. The mean score for weed control (control ( =3.14) and pest and disease =3.14) which were ranked 2nd in cocoa production information needs were ranked 1st and 4th in level of information search with the mean values of ( =2.24) and ( =2.03)respectively. Hence, the farmers need training in their information search behaviour.
From the Matrix presentation, it was observed that cocoa production information with the discrepancies scores of farm layout with a weighted mean score of 5.48, farm cultivation system with a weighted mean score of 4.82 and seed selection and planting materials which had a weighted mean score of 4.67 were the critical areas where cocoa farmers need training or
education in cocoa production information needs. Binary Logistic Regression indicated that the Nagelkerke R square value of 0.15 and 0.29 for Edo and Ondo States respectively indicated that the determinants would collectively explain about 15.0% and 29.5% variation in cocoa production information needs of farmers, respectively in the study area. Also the
binary logistic regression test indicated that extension agents (t= 1.61; p≤0.01); input dealers/suppliers (t=2.89;p≤0.01); internet (t=- 1.65 p≤0.01), cable network (t= 2.56; p≤ 0.01); family members (t= 0.92;
p≤0.05) and face to face contact with other farmers (t =0.67; p≤0.01) were the most significant preferred sources of information on farmers production infomtion needs. The finding ofPearson’s Product Moment Correlation indicated that positive and significant correlation exists between production information needs (r=0.271; p≤0.01) and postharvest information needs
(r=0.303; p≤0.01) and farmers’ search behaviour for information

The conventional media journalists have diverse experiences since the influx of new media technologies especially web 2.0 applications in journalism practice. Therefore, it becomes necessary to examine journalists’ experiences in conventional media organizations in the face of emerging new media in Edo State. The tenets of agenda setting, technological determinism,
and social presence theories were used in this study. Descriptive survey design was employed with the aid of 12-item questionnaire. The sample for this study constituted 300 journalists in Edo State through the purposive and proportionate stratified sampling technique. The sample reflected and represented all the journalists in Edo State. Data generated were presented and analysed in frequency tables, simple percentages, mean scores, standard deviations and Pearson’s Product Movement Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC), which aided the answering of the research questions and testing of the hypothesis formulated. The study found that conventional media journalists make use of new media technologies to make their work easier. Also, the study revealed that new media has had a profound effect on the activities of conventional media journalists as they with the help of new media technologies have greater access to a wider global audience, easier processes of news production and the boundaries of journalism has been falling as more people are engaged in the processes of news gathering more than ever before.
The study also found that ethical, governance, the loss of advert revenues, infrastructural, and technical challenges have emerged with the new media dominance. It was also discovered that new media has profound effects on conventional media news production as the new media provides multiple advantages for conventional media operations and there is a significant change in the experiences of conventional media journalists in the face of the emerging new media in Edo State. The study concluded that new media technologies constitute necessary tools for conventional media journalism practice. Therefore, it was recommended that the conventional media organizations should put in place measures to own the necessary new media organ/infrastructure. Also, that a raft of careful legislative policies be put in place to mitigate the occurrence of ethical breeches in news production

NIL

This project involves the design of a hybrid renewable energy system using solar and wind for residential areas and to use the system to generate sustainable electricity for household consumption, independent of fluctuations in the weather. A review of previous works was carried out, radiation (solar) and wind data (speed) was collected using Northern part of Nigeria as a case study and then load listing for a typical household was done. The subsystem of the Hybrid Renewable system was organized in a block diagram and then each of the subsystem was designed. The Design Calculation (result and finding) was that a typical household requiring 11KW per day. Each Subsystem requires a PV subsystem requires with 6 solar panels of 1000w connected in series, Wind subsystem with rotor blade Radius/Length of 5m is required with 11kw 24V Turbine, an Energy storage subsystem of 24V, 13000AH which is 10 (1300AH) batteries in series and an Inverter required is 15KW 24V inverter.
Overall, this research provides a comprehensive framework for the design of a hybrid renewable energy system that combines the strengths of solar and wind resources. The proposed system offers a reliable and environmentally friendly solution to meet the increasing energy demands while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable energy in the future.