Undergraduate Project

Isotretinoin (Accutane), a retinoid widely used for severe acne, has been reported to induce hippocampal toxicity through oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, which can impair prenatal development. The hippocampus, being particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage, may contribute to learning and memory deficits when exposed to Isotretinoin during gestation. This study evaluates the protective efficacy of Vitamin E, and quercetin against Accutane-induced hippocampal toxicity in prenatal Wistar rats. Four groups were examined in this: control, Accutane only, Accutane + quercetin + vitamin E, and Accutane + vitamin E. Administration was carried out from GD 14-21 of pregnancy. After littering, the neonates were left until PND 31 (postnatal day 31) before sacrifice. Histological analysis of hippocampal integrity, and developmental parameters in offspring (birth weight, neurobehavioral testing) were assessed. Results showed that Accutane exposure led to reduced birth weight and brain weight, along with neuronal degeneration in the hippocampal cells. Co-administration of vitamin E and quercetin significantly improved hippocampal morphology and restored neurobehavioral activity. Neurobehavioral results revealed that Accutane increased transfer latency and reduced exploratory activity, whereas combined antioxidant treatment improved behavioral performance. Offspring from the co-treated group also exhibited higher body weight and brain weights compared to the Accutane-only group. In conclusion, quercetin and vitamin E effectively counteracted Accutane-induced prenatal toxicity in the hippocampus of Wistar rats. The synergistic antioxidant action of both compounds preserved neural architecture and improved developmental outcomes, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents against retinoid-related neurotoxicity in pregnancy.

This study examines the performance of the ZigBee Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) in indoor environments, with a focus on understanding how distance and environmental obstacles influence wireless signal propagation. The research was conducted at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Benin, utilizing two ZigBee Pro S2B modules configured through XCTU software. Measurements were taken at distances ranging from 10 feet to 50 feet, under various conditions involving obstacles such as furniture, walls, and human presence. The findings indicate that RSSI values exhibit a progressive decline with increased distance and greater obstacle density. Specifically, the signal strength diminished by approximately 4 to 6 dB for every 10-foot increment, with an additional decrease of 3 to 5 dB for every two additional obstacles encountered. It was determined that walls and human presence are the most significant factors contributing to signal attenuation, due to effects related to reflection, absorption, and scattering. These results are consistent with theoretical path loss models and corroborate prior empirical studies, reinforcing the notion that the performance of ZigBee technology is significantly influenced by environmental conditions. The study concludes that ZigBee is well-suited for short-range, low-power Internet of Things (IoT) and sensor applications; however, optimal node placement and the implementation of mesh networking are critical for ensuring reliable communication in complex indoor environments. The insights derived from this research hold valuable implications for enhancing the design and deployment of wireless sensor networks in academic and smart-building contexts.

This study assessed the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices among real estate developers in Benin City, Nigeria, with a view to promoting sustainable property development. The study sought to examine the profiles of real estate development companies in Benin City, evaluate their extent of ESG adoption, and identify the factors influencing the implementation of ESG principles. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to registered real estate developers operating in Benin City. Out of 43 identified firms, 30 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that most developers were small- to medium-sized firms primarily engaged in residential and commercial developments. The overall level of ESG adoption was moderate, with Governance practices recording the highest adoption index (Mean = 3.14), followed by Social practices (Mean = 2.98) and Environmental practices (Mean = 2.86). Governance highlighted activities such as compliance monitoring, transparency, and property audits were more widely implemented than environmental initiatives such as renewable energy adoption and green roofing systems. The study further identified management leadership and commitment, availability of finance, perceived return on investment, and corporate strategy as the most significant factors influencing ESG adoption. Regression analysis showed that institutional factors exerted the strongest influence on ESG adoption, followed by organizational and market factors, collectively explaining 52.5% of the variation in ESG implementation among developers. The study concludes that while awareness of ESG principles is growing among real estate developers in Benin City, implementation remains largely moderate and compliance driven, with environmental and social dimensions receiving less attention than governance concerns. The study recommends the development of a comprehensive ESG regulatory framework, increased access to green financing, enhanced capacity building, and the institutionalization of ESG reporting standards to improve sustainability performance within Nigeria’s real estate sector. Keywords: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Real Estate Development, Sustainability, Sustainable Property Development, Governance Practices, Benin City, Nigeria.

This Study examined the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of students in University of Benin. The widespread in adoption and use of digital technologies for teaching and learning informed the study, emphasizing the need to understand how digital learning apps impact academic performance as measured by grades, GPA and other indicators of academic success. The study was guided by four objectives: To identify the level of exposure of students of the University of Benin to digital learning apps, to determine the frequency of usage of digital learning apps for academic purposes, to examine the influence of digital learning apps on the academic performance of university of Benin students, and to identify the challenges faced by university of Benin students while using digital learning apps. In terms of theoretical framework, the Constructivist Learning Theory and Diffusion of Innovation was adopted. Using a survey design, a sample size of 287 undergraduate full-time students was selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using simple percentages and frequency tables. Findings revealed that there is a high level of digital learning apps awareness among university of Benin students. Digital learning apps was also found to significantly enhance students retention and grades. However, challenges such as poor internet connection, high cost of data, digital distraction and little training on the use of digital learning apps were identified. The study concludes that digital learning apps positively influences students academic performance despite certain obstacles. The researcher therefore recommends that the University should implement digital literacy programs that will help students learn how to effectively use digital learning apps, also call for the provision of free Internet (WiFi) within the University.

This study seeks to determine the effect of social media, specifically Facebook, on youth involvement in politics during the 2024 Edo State Governorship election. With the recent increase in digital communication technologies, politics have been revolutionized especially among the youth who use social media for various political actions. The study evaluates the effects of exposure to political messages in Facebook on youths' engagement in political activities, their perception towards political figures, and their belief in political messages. Four main research objectives informed the study. These include determining the extent to which youth are exposed to political content in Facebook, assessing how this exposure affects their involvement in politics, analyzing the effect of peer influence on the development of political views, and determining the credibility of the information circulated politically via social media. A survey research method was utilized. Information was gathered through the use of questionnaires. From the findings of the research, it is evident that many youths are regularly exposed to political content via the social network, which has a positive effect on their political knowledge and involvement. Nevertheless, findings from the research indicate that misleading information and content play an important role in shaping perception of political messages and even inhibit political participation in some cases. Additionally, peer pressure has been established to be a key determinant of youths' political perspectives. Despite the potential benefits of using the social network in politics, issues such as misleading and unreliable political messages need to be addressed.

This study investigated the Application Of Information Communication Technology In The Teaching And Learning Process In Senior Secondary School In Egor Local Government Area Of Edo State. Four (4) research questions were raised that guided the study. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised few teachers from SS 1 - SS3 in Egor Local Government Area as at the period of the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to select few teachers teaching information communication technology in senior secondary school in Egor local government area of Edo state as sample for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled "Application Of Information Communication Technology In The Teaching And Learning Process'' (QAICTTLP). It was validated by the researchers’ supervisor and two experts. Its reliability was established at 0.7 using Cronbach Alpha method. The data collected for the study was analyzed using frequency tables and simple percentages. The findings revealed that the information communication technology tools available for teaching and learning were relatively low, they were trained personnel to carry out information communication technology though it was rarely used and are aware of the usefulness of information communication technology and It was recommended that there should be trained personnel to effectively carry out information communication technology and awareness of information communication technology should be encouraged.

development in Nigeria, with GDP growth rate as a proxy for economic development. Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Model and Error Correction Mechanism (ECM), the study assesses both the short-run and long-run effects of key stock market and economic indicators, including market capitalization (MC), all-share index (ASI), inflation rate (INF), monetary policy rate (MPR), gross fixed capital formation (GFCF), and foreign direct investment (FDI). The findings reveal that the All Share This study examines the relationship between stock market performance and economic Index (ASI) has a persistent positive and significant impact on GDP growth, indicating that stock market performance plays a crucial role in economic development. Conversely, inflation (INF) and market capitalization (MC) exhibit persistent negative and significant impacts, suggesting that rising stock market values do not necessarily translate into real economic growth. Gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) and foreign direct investment (FDI) have negative and insignificant effects in the short run, while FDI exhibits a positive but insignificant long-run impact. Additionally, the monetary policy rate (MPR) has a negative and insignificant short-run impact on GDP growth. The study concludes that while stock market performance is important for economic development, inflation control, efficient capital allocation, and strategic investment policies are necessary to sustain long-term growth. Policy recommendations include enhancing financial market efficiency, ensuring productive capital allocation, attracting growth-driven FDI, and implementing balanced monetary policies to support economic stability. Keywords: Stock Market, Economic Development, ARDL, Market Capitalization, Inflation, Foreign Direct Investment, Nigeria.

The study examined the role of Independent Television (ITV) and Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS) in promoting civic education and community development among residents of Benin City. The objectives of the study, were to examine the extent to which Independent Television and Edo Broadcasting Service provide content that promotes civic education among residents of Benin City, assess the perception of Benin City residents regarding the effectiveness of ITV and EBS in enhancing their knowledge of civic duties, governance, and community development initiatives, compare the contributions of a private broadcast station and a state-owned station in promoting civic awareness and community engagement, and identify challenges faced by ITV and EBS in fulfilling their social responsibility mandate. The study was anchored on the Social Responsibility Theory, Agenda-Setting Theory, and Development Media Theory. The researcher adopted a survey research design, with data collected from 400 sampled residents of Benin City, drawn through stratified sampling across seven local government areas, using a structured questionnaire as the research instrument. Findings from the study revealed that ITV provides more consistent civic education content than EBS, with residents frequently encountering civic-related programmes on the station. Secondly, the study discovered that residents perceive ITV as more effective in improving their understanding of civic duties such as voting and civic participation, while EBS is perceived as more effective in improving knowledge of governance and public policies. Thirdly, the findings showed that ITV contributes more strongly to civic awareness and audience engagement, while EBS provides more detailed coverage of community development programmes, indicating that both stations possess distinct but complementary strengths. The study also found that inadequate funding and political influence remain major challenges limiting both stations’ ability to fulfil their social responsibility mandate, among others. Based on the findings, it is concluded that television broadcasting remains an important tool for civic education and community development in Benin City, and that sustained investment, editorial independence, and improved programming are needed for ITV and EBS to maximise their contributions. This study recommended that, both stations should increase the frequency and consistency of civic education programmes and combine them with interactive communication strategies such as phone-in sessions and public forums. ITV should improve its coverage of governance-related issues while EBS improves its programme appeal, and both stations should strengthen credibility and public trust through balanced, independent reporting that keeps civic content focused on public interest rather than political interests.

This study investigated the prevalence, types, and impact of anxiety on academic performance and wellbeing among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Nigeria. Anxiety, characterized by excessive worry, fear, physiological arousal, and cognitive interference, has become a pervasive mental health challenge among university students globally and in Nigeria, exacerbated by academic pressures, economic hardships, infrastructural deficits, erratic academic calendars, and socio-cultural factors. The study was guided by four specific objectives: (1) to determine the prevalence of anxiety and its relationship with academic performance; (2) to identify the prevalent types of anxiety; (3) to examine the relationship between anxiety and Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA); and (4) to explore the effects of anxiety on students’ overall wellbeing. It adopted an ethnographic research design with survey elements, underpinned by Power-Control Theory and Cognitive Interference Theory. A sample of 120 full-time undergraduate students was selected through multi-stage sampling techniques (random selection of faculties and departments, followed by stratified sampling by level of study and gender). Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire administered face-to-face and analyzed with descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and tables) using SPSS. The findings revealed a high and escalating prevalence of anxiety among undergraduates, with levels significantly higher than at entry into the university. Test/examination anxiety was the most dominant type, followed by general worry, career/future anxiety, and financial worries. Anxiety was perceived to substantially impair concentration, study habits, class attendance, and CGPA, although moderate anxiety was noted by some as potentially facilitative. On wellbeing, anxiety was associated with poor sleep, physical symptoms, emotional exhaustion, social withdrawal, and strained relationships. Students predominantly relied on informal coping strategies such as prayer and peer support, with low awareness and utilization of formal university mental health services. The study concludes that anxiety constitutes a significant barrier to academic success and holistic student development at the University of Benin. It recommends the strengthening of institutional counselling services, integration of mental health education into academic programs, policy reforms to reduce academic stress, and broader governmental support for student mental health. These interventions are essential for improving academic performance, retention, and the overall quality of higher education in Nigeria. Keywords: Anxiety, academic performance, CGPA, undergraduate students, University of Benin, mental health, wellbeing, test anxiety.

Traditional classroom lighting systems often lack adaptability and responsiveness, hindering the creation of optimal learning environments. This report presents the development and evaluation of a smart classroom lighting system designed to address these limitations. The system utilizes motion sensors and passive Infrared sensors] to detect the motion of people within the classroom and to check the current status of the classroom lights based on pre-programmed schedules. A mobile app interface allows for user interaction and customization. The project methodology encompassed system design, control algorithm development, user interface creation, prototyping, and performance evaluation. The system was evaluated through energy consumption monitoring, user surveys, and lighting environment measurements. Findings revealed that the smart lighting system led to a reduction in energy consumption, improved user satisfaction with the learning environment, and potential for enhanced student learning outcomes. This report concludes by discussing the system's potential for implementation in educational settings and future research directions.