Undergraduate Project

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.

This study investigated the effectiveness of Aloe vera gel coatings in extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of cucumber, banana, and pepper during storage. The functional group of the experimental samples were carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis and the chemical composition of Aloe vera was determined using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC MS) whereas the physical parameters such as firmness, weight loss, odour, spoilage, and colour were evaluated, along with chemical parameters including pH, sugar content, and titratable acidity were carried out using standard methods. The results showed that fruits coated with Aloe vera gel exhibited reduced weight loss, slower firmness decline, delayed colour changes, and postponed spoilage compared to uncoated controls. Coated samples also retained higher sugar content and titratable acidity. In addition, while pH generally increased during storage, coated samples showed a lower rate of pH change compared to the controls, indicating delayed deterioration. The FTIR spectra of each fruit samples revealed similar compositions, with only slight variations in intensity. This indicates that while the Aloe vera gel preserved the fruits by forming an external protective barrier, it did not alter or interfere with their internal chemical composition. Among the treatments, the 30-minutes and 60 minutes application generally produced the most effective preservation across the three fruits. These findings highlight the potential of Aloe vera gel as an eco-friendly, natural coating for prolonging the postharvest quality of perishable fruits, thereby reducing food loss and enhancing marketability.

This study explored consumer attitudes toward the brand reputations of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Oredo Local Government Area, Benin City. This research aimed to identify the key factors influencing consumer perceptions, assess the impact of brand reputation on trust and loyalty, and examine the roles of social media and word-of-mouth in shaping attitudes toward SMEs. To guide this investigation, the study is rooted in the theories of “Brand Equity Theory " and " Theory of Planned Behaviour.” Using a structured questionnaire distributed to 200 respondents, quantitative data were collected and analyzed using frequency distribution and descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that factors such as product and service quality, customer service, and brand consistency significantly influence how consumers perceive SME brands. The results also show that a strong brand reputation enhances consumer trust, fosters loyalty, and positively influences purchasing decisions. Social media engagement and word-of-mouth were found to be powerful tools in shaping public perception, often amplifying both positive and negative brand experiences. The study concludes that SMEs in Oredo LGA must invest strategically in building and maintaining a reputable brand image through quality delivery, customer engagement, and digital presence. Therefore, it is recommended that conducting regular brand perception surveys can help SMEs understand how they are viewed by consumers thus feedback should inform strategy and identify areas for improvement.

This study examines the influence of corporate governance practices on green reporting among listed manufacturing firms in Nigeria, with a focus on the industrial goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). Specifically, the study focused on how board independence, board financial expertise, audit committee meetings, and board gender diversity affects green reporting by the sampled firms. The study adopted a longitudinal research design and covered a ten-year period from 2015 to 2024. Census sampling was employed, covering all thirteen (13) industrial goods firms listed on the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The secondary panel data were obtained from the annual reports of the sampled companies. After expunging the firm-years with incomplete information, a final panel dataset used for the analysis amounted to 119 firm-year observations. The unbalanced panel data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and binary logistic regression. The results indicated that board independence has a small and negative effect on green reporting. On the other hand, board financial expertise and meetings of the audit committee have a positive and important effect on green reporting. The study also found that board gender diversity has a positive but insignificant effect on green reporting. Based on these findings, the study recommends that listed manufacturing firms strengthen board competence through the inclusion of financially knowledgeable directors and encourage more active audit committee engagement in sustainability-related matters. The study also recommends the establishment of sustainability-focused governance structures to enhance green reporting practices and corporate accountability.

This study examined the effect of social media on the academic performance of undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The increasing use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X has significantly influenced students' academic and social lives, creating both opportunities for learning and challenges related to distraction and excessive usage. The study sought to determine the purposes for which students use social media, examine its relationship with academic performance, identify any gender differences in usage, and explore ways of reducing social media addiction among students. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaires administered to 100 undergraduate students selected through simple random sampling. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages.The findings revealed that WhatsApp is the most frequently used social media platform among students. It was also found that while some students use social media for academic purposes, the majority use it mainly for entertainment and communication. The study also demonstrated the detrimental effects of excessive social media use on students' focus, study habits, and general academic achievement. However, social media can improve students' academic performance when utilized sensibly for learning, knowledge sharing, and academic cooperation. According to the study's findings, students' academic performance can be impacted by social media in both positive and negative ways, depending on their usage habits and goals. As a result, it advised students to prioritize their academic work, use social media more for learning, and manage their time well. To encourage improved academic results, universities can also host awareness campaigns about safe social media use.

Cette étude examine comment l’auteure met en lumière les différentes formes de violence que subissent les enfants dans les sociétés antillaises après la colonisation. L'histoire des Antilles, marquée par l'esclavage et la colonisation, a établi des systèmes sociaux répressifs, où les croyances mystiques et le patriarcat contribuent à des abus sur les plus fragiles. La question principale de cette étude est la persistance de ces violences, souvent rationalisées par les traditions et le silence collectif. La raison d'être de cette étude repose sur l'urgence d'éveiller les consciences sociales et littéraires face à la banalisation des violences faites aux enfants. Les objectifs visent à examiner comment ces abus sont présentés dans la littérature, à en déterminer les causes culturelles et sociales, et à démontrer comment Warner-Vieyra présente la littérature comme un moyen de dénonciation et d'éducation. La méthodologie, utilisée est à la fois analytique et critique, se basant sur une analyse approfondie du roman à travers les lentes de la sociologie, de la psychologie et des études postcoloniales. Les résultats indiquent que la violence exercée contre l’enfant en Martinique se manifeste de manière physique, psychologique et symbolique, ancrée dans un héritage culturel de domination. L'importance de cette recherche se trouve dans sa capacité à enrichir la réflexion sur la protection des enfants et sur la fonction de la littérature comme un moyen de changement social et de libération humaine.

Background: Edentulism is a significant public health issue that impairs nutrition and quality of life. While global prevalence is high among the elderly, specific occupational groups like commercial riders in low-resource settings face unique risks due to road traffic accidents (RTA) and poor access to dental care. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, aetiology, and preventive strategies for edentulism among motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 motorcycle and tricycle riders in Ugbowo, Edo State. Data were collected using structured, interviewer- administered questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 29.0. Results: The prevalence of edentulism (history of tooth loss) among the respondents was 12.3% (n=32). Road traffic accidents were a significant factor, with 33.8% of riders having experienced a crash and 19.3% of those sustaining oral injuries. Common injuries included teeth being knocked out (58.8%), chipped (11.8%), or loosened (11.8%). Non-accidental causes of tooth loss included physical assaults (36.4%) and dental caries (27.3%). Statistical analysis showed a significant association between edentulism and experiencing an RTA (p = 0.047), as well as sustaining direct mouth injuries (p < 0.001). Despite these risks, 80.8% of riders never used a helmet, largely because they perceived them as “not needed” (77.6%).Additionally, 80.4% had never visited a dentist. Conclusion: Edentulism represents a notable burden among riders in Ugbowo, driven by a combination of occupational trauma and poor oral health behaviours. The high rate of dental injuries and low use of protective gear underscore the need for targeted safety interventions. Recommendations: The study recommends mandatory use of full-face helmets, the incorporation of seat belts in tricycles, and community-based oral health programs to encourage routine dental visits and preventive care.

Genocide is one of the most heinous crimes under international law, characterized by acts intended to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. The International Criminal Court (ICC) was established to ensure that such serious crimes do not go unpunished by providing a permanent international judicial body dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable. This role is critical in promoting justice, deterring future atrocities, and affirming the commitment of the international community to uphold human rights and the rule of law. The ICC’s involvement in prosecuting genocide marked a significant development in international criminal justice, addressing impunity where national courts failed to act. This aim of this long essay is to critically examine the effectiveness of the ICC in addressing and prosecuting genocide, identify existing gaps, and propose recommendations for improvement. Utilizing doctrinal methodology, the research analyses legal texts, ICC case laws, and international treaties relevant to genocide prosecution. The essay reveals that while the ICC represents a significant advancement in international criminal law by providing a permanent forum for justice, several gaps hinder its full effectiveness. These include limited jurisdictional reach, challenges to state cooperation, political interference, and delays in the prosecution process. Additionally, the ICC faces difficulties in ensuring victim participation and protection, which are crucial for restorative justice. The study recommends emphasizing strengthening international cooperation to overcome jurisdictional and enforcement challenges, enhancing the Court’s resources and capacity for expedited proceedings, and promoting broader acceptance of ICC jurisdiction through international diplomacy. The study also suggests amplified support for victim rights and witness protection mechanisms to ensure comprehensive justice delivery.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, characterized by recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. Ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma models are widely used to study allergic asthma and its systemic effects, including alterations in red blood cell (RBC) indices. This study investigates the impact of varying methods of OVA administration on RBC indices in female Wistar rats. This study involved 42 female Wistar rats weighing 140-180g who were acclimatized for one week. They were divided into six different groups of 7 rats. During the experimental process, all groups (2-6) were sensitized with 1 mg OVA and 20 mg AlOH dissolved in 0.9 saline on days 1, 7 and 14, then challenged with 1 % OVA biweekly for 28 days. Group 1 control; Group 2 sensitised on days 1 and 7; Group 3 sensitized on days 1, 7 and 14; Group 4 sensitised on day 1 and challenged; Group 5 sensitised on days 1 and 7 and challenged; Group 6 sensitised on day 1, 7 and 14 and challenged. All animal were euthanized at the end of 28 days. Statistical analysis was performed using one- way variance analysis (ANOVA). The result showed no statistically significant difference in red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and red cell distribution in all the groups compared to the control (p>0.05); also, there was a significant decrease in haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in the group sensitised on days 1, 7 and 14 compared to control (p<0.05). In conclusion, these ovalbumin-induced asthma methods did not affect red cell indices except on haematocrit and mean corpuscular volume in female Wistar rats.

Background: Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a vital legume crop in arid and semi-arid regions, valued for its high protein content and adaptability. However, soil salinity is a major environmental constraint that severely limits its early establishment, growth, and overall yield.Objective: This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of salt stress on the germination and early seedling growth of cowpea to determine its tolerance thresholds during the critical initial growth phase.Methodology: A controlled laboratory experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Cowpea seeds were subjected to different concentrations of sodium chloride ($\text{NaCl}$) solutions, typically ranging from a control ($0\text{ mM}$ or $0\text{ dS m}^{-1}$) to severe salinity levels ($50\text{ mM}$, $100\text{ mM}$, $150\text{ mM}$, and $200\text{ mM}$). Germination parameters, including germination percentage (GP), germination velocity index (GVI), mean germination time (MGT), and early seedling growth traits (radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry biomass), were measured over a standard period of 7 to 10 days.Results: The results revealed that salt stress significantly ($P \le 0.05$) inhibited all measured parameters.Germination Rate: High salinity levels ($\ge 150\text{ mM}$) caused a drastic reduction in germination percentage and delayed the onset of germination, as evidenced by a significant increase in MGT.Seedling Vigour: Radicle and plumule lengths were highly sensitive to salinity, showing a progressive decline with increasing $\text{NaCl}$ concentrations. This suppression of early seedling growth is primarily attributed to osmotic stress and the toxic accumulation of $\text{Na}^+$ and $\text{Cl}^-$ ions, which restrict water uptake and disrupt metabolic processes.Conclusion: While cowpea exhibits moderate tolerance to low salinity levels ($\le 50\text{ mM}$), high salt concentrations severely hinder seed germination and early seedling establishment. These findings underscore the importance of screening for salt-tolerant cowpea genotypes and implementing strategic soil management practices in salinity-prone agricultural zones.