PGD Project

This study explored the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria. Specifically, the study investigates impact of CSR on Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Net Profit Margin (NPM). It focused on four CSR dimensions: corporate governance, economic responsibility, ethical responsibility and philanthropic responsibility.

The study adopted an ex-post facto research design, utilizing secondary data obtained from The Annual Financial Reports of DMBs listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) from 2011 to 2023. The analysis employed panel data estimation techniques, including fixed and random effects models, to determine the relationships between CSR practices and financial performance of deposit Money banks.

The findings indicated that economic responsibility had a significant positive effect on ROA, suggesting that DMBs that engage in value-creating activities such as offering innovative financial products and services, as well as supporting local economic development, tend to experience improved financial performance. Additionally, philanthropic responsibility, which includes community development initiatives, education support, and disaster relief efforts, was found to positively impact ROA, ROE and NIM enhancing brand reputation and customer loyality. Ethical responsibility, reflected in the adoption of transparent and fair business practices, also demonstrated a positive effect on financial performance by fostering trust and mitigating risk associated with legal and reputational issues. However, corporate governance was found to have no significant impact on ROA, indicating that governance practices may not directly influence the financial outcomes of Nigerian banks. Based on these findings, the study recommended that banks should priorities economic and philanthropic CSR activities, promote ethical business conduct, and enhance their corporate governance frameworks to improve performance. The results underline the importance of CSR in contributing to both financial success and socio-economic development in host communities.

Effective management of financial flows is essential for sustaining liquidity stability and operational efficiency within multi-tier supply chain networks. Traditional optimisation models
tend to prioritise either cost reduction or risk mitigation, often neglecting the balance between
working capital efficiency and financial stability. This study proposes a Hybrid Mathematical Framework that integrates dynamic discounting mechanisms and risk mitigation strategies to optimise financial flows across supply chains. The framework addresses four primary objectives: developing a financial flow optimisation model, incorporating dynamic discounting into the
model, embedding stochastic variables representing demand volatility and credit risk, and
evaluating model performance through numerical simulations. A quantitative modelling approach is employed, formulating an objective function that minimises total financial costs while controlling for risk using Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR). The model integrates early payment incentives, late payment penalties, and financial risk thresholds to support strategic decision-making. Numerical simulations using synthetic financial data were conducted to assess the model’s performance. Results indicate that the Hybrid Model offers a superior trade-off between cost efficiency and financial stability. Dynamic discounting reduces total financial costs, while CVaR integration ensures liquidity remains risk-sensitive. The study recommends adopting dynamic discounting with risk-sensitive optimisation models and exploring technologies like real-time analytics and AI. Future research could refine the framework via industry-specific adaptations and block chain enabled contracts.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the volume of non-protein plasma filtered by the glomeruli per unit of time (average of 125 ml/min/1.73 m2 of body surface area in adults). Age-related physiological changes influence GFR and results in age determined annual rate of Decline (ADARD) of about 1ml/minute/year. The GFR decline varies among populations due to genetic and environmental factors but the extent and pattern of this decline among ethnic black Nigerians had not been characterized. This study evaluated age-determined changes in GFR among adult black Nigerians and compared values in normotensive and hypertensive individuals by using measured creatinine clearance (mCrCl) and GFR estimating equations as Cockroft-Gault equation (CG), modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and National Kidney Foundation chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration(NKF CKD-EP!). Two hundred and seventy (270) apparently healthy volunteers (18-70 years), were recruited and arranged 30 per grouped (15 males and 15 females) for 9 age groups (18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-60, 61-65, 66-70 years). Their age, gender, Pulse rates (PR), blood pressure and mean arterial pressure(MAP)were documented. Ten (10) milliliters (ml) of spot urine was obtained for assays of sodium ion and potassium ion by Ion selective electrode. Spectrophotometric methods were used for creatinine (Cr) and albumin (for calculation of mean urine albumin creatinine ratio, mUACR). Ante-cubital venipuncture was done for 10 ml of venous blood (2 ml anti-coagulated and 8ml coagulated for serum extraction). About 4 ml of serum was used for assays of serum Cr and CystatinC (ELISA). Subjects provided 12 hours timed urine for mCrCl in ml/min. The Mean ± Sem of the data were calculated on excel worksheet and further statistics as analysis of variance (ANOVA), Student’s t-Test, regression analysis and graphs were done with SPSS-29. The mean GFR in ml/min/1.73 m2 were; mCrCl (124.86 ± 5.09), CG (85.22 ± 1.69), NKF CKD-EP! Cr (82.95 ± 1.27), NKF CKD-EP! Cystatin C (72.90 ± 3.88), NKFCKD-EP! Cr-cystc (79.62 ± 2.64) and MDRD(93.44 ± 1.01). The ADARD in GFR (inml/min/yr) were significant (P<0.01) for; mCrCl 3.64, CG equation (0.7501), NKF CKD-EP!cr 2021 (0.4398) and MDRD (0.503). Twenty-one percent (21.1%) of the subjects were hypertensive (MAP>100) and 90.5% had mean Urine Albumin Creatinine ratio (mUACR) of 81.12 ± 3.58 (>30 mg/g). The annual rate of increase in UACR was 1.4457 mg/g (P<0.001). The GFR was significantly lower in hypertensive (P<0.05) while UACR was significantly higher in hypertensive (P<0.01). The ADARD in GFR was significant and associated with significant increase in UACR indicating a strong relationship between these CKD. Hypertension and increased mUACR reduced GFR significantly and increased ADARD in GFR. Early on-set of CKD manifested in this population as increase in mUACR before decrease in GFR occurred. Assessment of GFR must include UACR.

The study examined the role of traditional institutions in the administration of health services in Ugborodo Community, Warri South-West LGA, Delta State. The research adopted sociological method of research utilizing both the primary and secondary sources of data. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of this study consists of traditional leaders in Ugborodo community. The study adopted simple random sampling techniques in selecting the respondents from the Ugborodo community and respondents were chosen randomly from the community to make total of one hundred and fifty respondents. The data collected were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study revealed that health services have saved many lives in the community, medical care and drugs in health centre increase the rate of the people wellbeing. Staff perform well in taking care of patients, health centre have high health management and support for patients by traditional institution. The study concluded that WHO identified health not as the absence of disease but more holistically as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing

The present study investigated the phytochemical profile and analgesic potential of the ethanolic stem extract of Sida acuta, a plant traditionally used in folk medicine for pain relief.The primary objectives were to identify and characterize the major phytochemicals present in the extract, evaluate its analgesic activity using established in vivo models, and compareitsefficacytostandardanalgesics,aspirinandpentazocine.
Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenes, tannins, and alkaloids—bioactive constituents widely associated with therapeutic effects. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) confirmed the diversity of these metabolites across different solvent systems, with a chloroform– ethanol (9:1) mixture yielding the highest number of detectable compounds, emphasizing the role of solvent polarity in extraction efficiency. Analgesic activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate models, representing peripheral and central nociception, respectively. The extract showed a dose-dependent inhibition of abdominal constrictions, achieving 100%inhibitionat400mg/kg,comparableorsuperior to aspirin at 100 mg/Kg of mice. Similarly, in the hot plate model, the extract significantly increased reaction times to thermal stimuli, with effects at 400 mg/kg comparable to pentazocine at 0.1 mg/Kg of mice, a standard opioid analgesic. These findings suggest that the extract exerts dual analgesic effects, likely involving suppression ofprostaglandin synthesis peripherally andmodulation ofcentral nociceptive pathways possibly via opioid or serotonergic mechanisms. FTIR spectral analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups characteristic of phenolic compounds, including O–H (3418.74-3571.33 broad stretch), C–O (1045.39 short C-C), and C=C bonds (1644.67 sharp long C=C conjugation), supporting the identification of flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. GC-MS analysis further identified key compounds with known analgesic or anti-inflammatory properties such as Eugenol (RT:10, P.A: 0.30), Phytol (RT: 42.07, P.A: 6.13), Squalene (RT: 44.86 P.A: 10.85), and various fatty acid esters,supportingtheobserved pharmacologicalactivity.
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Overall, the study highlights Sida acuta stem extract as a promising source of natural analgesics with both peripheral and central mechanisms of action, warranting further investigation and potential pharmaceutical application.

Musanga cecropioides R. Br. ex Tedlie (Family Urticaceae) is a tree distributed across some parts of Africa including Nigeria. Ethno-medicinal surveys shows that its leaves, root and root sap are used in the management of several health conditions, but there is a dearth of information on the biological activities of these parts of the plant to substantiate the ethno-medicinal claims. This study was aimed at evaluating the phyto-constituents and phytomedicinal properties of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap. The elucidation of phyto-constituents was done by carrying out qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, proximate analysis, and screenings for vitamins, carotene, amino acids and mineral elements using standard protocols. Acute and sub- acute toxicity assessments of the samples were carried out in experimental an mals using established protocols. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap were screened for antioxidant activities using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging models, while the DNA protective effect was investigated on DNA damage caused by Fenton’s reagent. The antitussive activity was analyzed using the citric acid-induced cough model and mucus expectoration experiment, while anti- asthmatic properties were elucidated using the ovalbumin-induced asthma model. Antidiarrheal and anti-diabetic properties were elucidated using the castor oil-induced diarrhoea and Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes models respectively. The screening of Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap for the phyto-constituents revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, moisture, fat, proteins, vitamins, carotene, essential and non-essential amino acids and micro and macro mineral elements in considerable quantities. The median lethal dose (LD50) for the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts, methanol root extract and crude root sap were indeterminable as no adverse effect was observed at the highest dose of 10000 mg/kg body weight, while the aqueous root extract caused absolute mortality at 5000, 7500 and 10000 mg/kg body weight leaving the LD50 at 2236 mg/kg body weight. The sub-acute toxicity study revealed that the extracts did not significantly alter the body weight and haematology parameters at 500, 1000, 2500 mg/kg. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrozyl and 2,2’-azinobis-3- ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid scavenging assays revealed the presence of antioxidants in all samples with the leaf extracts showing the best activity. The leaf and root extracts protected pCAMBIA 1301 DNA from damage by Fenton’s reagent. Musanga cecropioides leaf extracts, root extracts and root sap showed significant anti-diarrhoeal activities, significantly increased mucus expectoration and suppressed cough bouts in guinea pigs at all doses in the antitussive study. In the anti-asthmatic study, the leaf extracts significantly increased the latency to pre-convulsive dyspnoea. The anti-diabetic study revealed significant reduction in glucose level by the aqueous leaf extract (50 mg/kg), methanol leaf extract (200 mg/kg), aqueous root extract (200mg/kg) and the root sap (2 ml/kg). Musanga cecropioides leaf, root and root sap possess antitussive, anti-asthmatic, anti-diarrheal and anti-diabetic activities. In conclusion, the therapeutic properties elicited by these plants extracts on selected diseases validated its ethnomedicinal reports.

The study investigated parental attitude and social media addiction as predictor of secondary school students’ deviant behavior in Delta State. Seven research questions were raised to guide the study and seven hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design using a correlational approach. The population of the study comprised four thousand, six hundred and twenty nine (4,629) students from twenty four (24) public junior and senior secondary schools. The sample size for the study was made up of 581 secondary school students’ in Delta State which was drawn from 257 and 324 in JSS2 and SS1 respectively. A simple random sampling technique was used. A self- structured questionnaire titled; Parental Attitude Social Media Addiction and Deviant Behaviour Questionnaire (PASMADBQ) were used to obtain information from the respondents. The reliability coefficient index for .733, .750 and .873 respectively. It showed that the instrument was reliable. The data collected was analysed using simple linear regression, multiple linear regression and fisher Z transformation statistics. The findings of the study revealed that parental attitude and social media addiction significantly predict secondary school students’ deviant behaviour in Delta State. Secondly, there is no difference in the relationship between parental attitude and students’ deviant behaviour based on sex and age. Lastly, there is no difference in the relationship between social media addiction and students’ deviant behaviour based on sex and age in Delta State. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should regulate and monitor the use of social media by their children in order to counter deviant behaviour attributed to social media at tender age. School authorities should engage students more closely in order to get information on and assist in behaviour modification. School counsellors should be at the forefront in adopting social media channels as a new way of routinely advising and mentoring students.

Depression among teenage mothers has emerged as a significant public health concern globally. This study investigates the Prevalence and Associated factors of Depression among Teenage Mothers in Benin Metropolis of Edo State Nigeria. The study adopted Multi stage sampling technique while primary data collection was used to obtain data from the respondents. Data gathered was subjected to Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient which was used to establish the study feasibility. 500 female participants aged between 13 to 19 years were purposely selected with a structured questionnaire. Ambiguity in the instruments
was eliminated. The data collected was analyzed and presented in percentages and tables. Results revealed that there is high degree of depression among teenage mothers in Benin metropolis and identifies lack of social support, stigma, and economic dependence as predictors of depression, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the mental health needs of teenage mothers in Benin metropolis. The study recommends that to address depression among teenage mothers, accessible and affordable mental health services, including counseling and therapy, should be provided within existing healthcare facilities. Routine screening for depression during antenatal and postnatal care can help identify those in need of further support. Peer support groups, education on family planning and parenting, and social support networks can empower teenage mothers and enhance their self-esteem. Childcare support and community-based initiatives can also promote socialization and reduce isolation. Ultimately, policy reforms are necessary to address the unique needs of teenage mothers and ensure they have access to education, healthcare, and social services. Keywords: depression, teenage mothers, social support, post-natal, interventions, child care, support group.

Human Resource Management Practices and Organizational Commitment in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City.

There has recently been an increase for the usage of clay minerals. Hence, the driving force for this research work which was carried out to determine the chemical composition and basic geotechnical and physical characteristics of Ogiso and Okhoro clay deposits in Edo State, Southern Nigeria. In this study, ten (10) fresh clay samples were randomly collected, three(3) from Okhoro and seven(7) from Ogiso and were subjected to X-ray-Diffraction (XRD), Xray-Fluorescence (XRF) and geotechnical analysis to determine their mineralogy, chemical composition and engineering behaviour so as to evaluate their economic potential. The XRD analysis revealed that the basic mineralogy of the samples studied is made up of kaolinite, quartz and hematite with traces of zircon, illite and anatase occurring in minor amounts in some of the samples. The XRF analysis revealed the occurrence of 10 elemental oxides and 10 elemental trace elements. The major elemental oxides include SiO2 with a range of 55.82 – 61.41wt %, Al2O3 with a range of 21.12 – 24.42% and Fe2O3 with a range of 6.05 – 9.06% while the major elemental trace elements are zircon with a range of 0.89 – 1.78wt%, zinc with a range of 0 – 1.51%, copper with a range of 0 – 1.39wt% and chromium with a range of
0.01 – 0.11wt%. The geotechnical analysis revealed that the samples are of low to medium plastic inorganic clay with percentage fines fraction of 76.84 – 78.45%