Undergraduate Project

Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to sustaining public health and ensuring community well-being. This study assessed the water quality and hygiene practices of households in Ogbelaka, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the microbiological quality of household water, evaluate hygiene practices, and identify householdlevel factors contributing to contamination. A cross-sectional design was employed, combining field sampling and survey methods. Water samples from selected households were analyzed for thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli using standard microbiological procedures. Data on hygiene, sanitation, and water handling practices were collected through structured questionnaires. Results indicated that a significant proportion of water samples showed microbial contamination exceeding WHO permissible limits, highlighting risks of waterborne diseases. Many households relied on untreated or poorly treated water sources such as boreholes and wells, with inadequate storage and handling practices contributing to contamination. Hygiene practices, particularly handwashing with soap at critical times, were suboptimal, and household water treatment methods were inconsistently applied. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions that promote community- based water treatment, improved sanitation, and sustained hygiene education. The study concludes that strengthening local water management, behavioral change communication, and enforcement of water quality standards are crucial steps toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) in Ogbelaka and similar semi-urban communities.

Heat exchangers are fundamental components in thermal engineering, enabling efficient transfer of heat between fluids across various phase states. Their performance largely depends on the thermal characteristics of the working fluid, and improving these characteristics remains a central research focus. Nanofluids—base fluids enhanced with suspended nanoparticles—have emerged as promising candidates due to their potential to significantly improve heat transfer rates. This study investigates the viability of nanofluids as enhanced working fluids for heat exchanger applications, addressing the persistent challenge of increasing heat transfer efficiency in thermal systems. The methodology involved selecting a shell-and-tube heat exchanger and performing detailed mathematical modelling, numerical simulations, and comparative analyses. Simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent, supported by theoretical models such as the Maxwell-Garnett relations, Pak and Cho density formulation, and Brinkman viscosity correlations. Mesh generation, boundary condition setup, and performance evaluation were carried out systematically between July and November 2025. Various nanofluid types and volume fractions were iteratively tested to identify the most thermally efficient fluid configuration for the system. The results demonstrate a clear improvement in heat transfer characteristics when nanofluids are employed compared to conventional fluids. Significant enhancements were observed in thermal conductivity, convective heat transfer coefficients, and reduction in hot-air exit temperatures from the heat exchanger. The comparative outcomes confirm the strong potential of nanofluids to boost thermal energy recovery and overall system performance, highlighting their suitability for advanced industrial heat exchanger applications.

Cladocera is a crucial bio-indicator of water quality and trophic status of the aquatic environment they inhabit. This study was carried out from August 2021 to January 2022 using standard methods to investigate the species composition, abundance, distribution and diversity of Cladocera community of Okhuaihe River at Ikpe, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 22 physicochemical parameters were determined. Results show that flow rate, width and phosphate were significantly higher across the sampling stations, while temporally, air temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, zinc and manganese showed high significance difference. The physicochemical parameters measured were within the Federal Ministry of Environment and WHO permissible limits except electrical conductivity, ammonium, chloride, turbidity, iron, copper, manganese and chromium. A total of 6 families comprising 75 individuals were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 4 contributing 64 individuals and lowest at station 1 which accounted for 3 individuals of total individuals. The family Chydoridae (33.33%) dominated the samples followed by Sididae (26.67%), Moinidae (16.00%), Daphniidae (14.67%), Bosminidae (8.00%) and then Macrothricidae (1.33%). Species richness was highest in station 4 and lowest in station 2. Shannon wiener index indicated that station 4 had the highest diversity followed by station 3 while Cladocera species in station 2 were less diverse. Evenness was highest in station 1, closely followed by station 2 while station 4 had the least value. Dominance was measured with highest value in station 2 and least value in station 4. Daphniidae showed a positive significant correlation to turbidity while Macrothricidae exhibited positive significant correlations with sulphate and turbidity. The water quality index at stations 1 to 4 indicate that the sampled stations are safe for human consumption, support aquatic life and other domestic activities This study proved that Okhuaihe River is of good water quality and the Cladocera community encountered are typical of a tropical freshwater habitat but of low diversity. However, continuous monitoring should be carried out intermittently on the River so that a deviation in the quality of the water could be detected timely.

Soft power is a term that has gained prominence in the study of international relations and diplomacy over the past few decades. Coined by political scientist Joseph Nye in the late 1980s, soft power refers to the ability of a country to shape the preferences and behaviors of other countries through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or payment. Unlike hard power, which relies on military might or economic leverage, soft power draws upon cultural appeal, values, and diplomacy to foster goodwill and build lasting relationships between nations. In today's globalized and interconnected world, the role of soft power in diplomacy has become more crucial than ever. It shapes international perceptions, influences global public opinion, and helps countries advance their interests without resorting to force 3 . Soft power derives its legitimacy from a country’s values, institutions, and foreign policy. The instrument for mobilizing a country’s soft power abroad is public diplomacy, and therefore the state features prominently in projecting soft power abroad. This power of persuasion is based on intangible resources such as the attractiveness of an international actor’s culture and values.

Water meant for drinking and domestic use can easily become a source of infection if stored under poor sanitary conditions. This study emphasizes on the bacteriological analysis of water tanks in halls of residence in the University of Benin, Edo state Nigeria. Swab and water samples were taken aseptically from water tanks in the halls of residence and in a household with regularly treated water tanks. Serial dilution and pour plate methods were carried out for the isolation of microorganisms on different sterile media. The population of the bacteria isolates were enumerated using the colony counter. Pure cultures were obtained by the streak plate method and they were characterized by Gram staining and some biochemical tests. The isolates were further identified using Bergey’s Manual of Determinative Bacteriology. The highest total heterotrophic count for swab samples was gotten from Household A and Household B which both recorded TNC bacterial count and the lowest count was 2.33±0.57 ×10 1 CFU/mL which was gotten from Hall 3A, while that of water samples recorded the highest from 2.67±0.57 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Sample B and the lowest was 2.33±0.47 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was from Sample A. The highest total coliform count in swab samples was 7.63 ± 0.58 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Hall 4 and the lowest was 1.00 ± 0.57 ×10 2 cfu/mL gotten from Hall 2A, while for that of water sample recorded the highest as 2.33±0.94 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Sample A and recorded the lowest as 1.67±0.57 ×10 3 cfu/mL which was gotten from Sample B. The highest total count for Non-lactose fermenting Gram-negative bacteria for swab was 6.60± 0.58 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Hall 3A and the lowest was Hall 1B and hall 4 which showed no growth, while for water samples, the highest was 2.63±0.48 ×10 3 CFU/mL which was gotten from Sample A and the lowest was gotten from 1.00±0.58 × 10 3 CFU/mL which was Sample B. The predominant isolates identified included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., Citrobacter sp., Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp., Staphylococcus aureus and weakly fermenting E. coli. This study has shown that the water stored in the halls of residences in University of Benin stores different varieties and levels of bacterial contamination indicating that the water is not entirely safe for domestic use without proper treatment

Background: Skilled birth care is important for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, yet its utilisation remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income settings. In sub–Saharan Africa, where maternal deaths are highest, men play a key role in household decision-making, including access to maternal healthcare. Although male involvement has been linked to improved use of skilled services, gaps persist between knowledge, attitudes, and actual engagement due to sociocultural and financial constraints. Understanding these dynamics is essential for improving maternal health outcomes. Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, level of involvement, and factors influencing decision-making regarding the utilisation of skilled birth care among male partners in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between February 2025 and April 2026 among 512 adult male partners residing in Egor Local Government Area, whose wives or partners were currently pregnant or had previously delivered. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analysed with IBM SPSS version 27.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 44.8 ± 9.8 years. Most were married, 483 (94.3%), in monogamous unions, 495 (96.7%), lived in nuclear families, 444 (86.7%), and were in the high socioeconomic class, 364 (71.1%). Household size was ≥5 in 334 (65.2%). Most had good knowledge of skilled birth care, 480 (93.8%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Positive attitude was reported by 207 (40.4%), with significant associations for age (p < 0.001), family setting (p = 0.001), household size (p < 0.001), and socioeconomic status (p = 0.008). Involvement was high in 502 (98.0%), with no significant predictors (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Knowledge and involvement in skilled birth care were high, but positive attitudes remained limited and were influenced by household and socioeconomic factors. Decision making was largely shaped by financial, accessibility, and sociocultural constraints. To improve utilisation and maternal health outcomes, interventions must expand health insurance and subsidised maternity services, strengthen transport and referral systems, institutionalise respectful high- quality facility care, and engage household decision- makers through community- based education

The Ugbowo-Ekenwan residential rental market is recognized for its severe fragmentation, lack of transparency, and an exposure to fraudulent activities. Renters frequently grapple with a disconnected, inefficient search process, encountering outdated property listings and a risk of scams. This project directly addresses this critical issue by focusing on the trust deficit and the absence of a reliable, centralized platform that can guarantee the authenticity of both the property and the landlord, which is the key gap in the current ecosystem. To overcome these challenges, this project proposes and develops a comprehensive, web-based platform dedicated to apartment search and rental management. It is designed to establish a single, trusted source for property listings by directly connecting verified landlords with prospective renters. The solution centralizes the rental process, providing a transparent alternative that minimizes the reliance on untrusted intermediaries and directly attacks the root cause of rental fraud. The platform was developed using a mixed-methods approach. This involved a detailed user requirements analysis to understand market gaps. Key technical features include an interactive Map-Based Search Interface for hyper-local filtering, a secure user and listing verification system managed by an Admin Portal, and a direct communication channel to ensure zero agent interference. This robust development process ensures the platform is not only functional but resilient to typical market risks. The successful implementation of the prototype demonstrates its ability to streamline the apartment search. The platform's core Trust System, which tracks property verification status from landlord submission through Admin inspection, verifying the listing's authenticity. In conclusion, the web-based apartment search platform provides a more efficient, transparent, and significantly more secure alternative to traditional rental processes, paving the way for a more reliable and trustworthy real estate ecosystem.

This study presents a detailed palynological analysis of subsurface well samples from the Araromi-2 well in the eastern Dahomey Basin, Southwestern Nigeria, to establish a biostratigraphic framework and interpret paleodepositional environments. 33 samples were recovered and ten (10) ditch cutting samples from depths of 830 ft to 1880 ft were processed using standard palynological techniques involving hydrochloric (HCl) and hydrofluoric (HF) acid digestion, heavy liquid separation, and microscopic examination. The analysis yielded a rich and diverse assemblage of palynomorphs, including spores, pollen, and dinoflagellate cysts. The stratigraphic distribution of key taxa such as Proxapertites operculatus, Retidiporites magdalenensis, Palaeocystodinium australinium, and Cyathidites minor enabled the recognition of the Palaeocystodinium australinium - Cyathidites minor Assemblage Zone. This zone indicates a Late Maastrichtian to Early Paleocene (Danian) age for the studied interval, correlating with the upper Araromi Formation. Palynofacies analysis revealed a vertical transition from amorphous organic matter (AOM)-dominated assemblages in the lower sections to phytoclast-rich assemblages upwards. This trend indicates a regressive sequence, transitioning from a shallow, anoxic marine environment to a marginal marine and finally a deltaic/coastal plain setting. The study concludes that the Araromi Formation records a critical phase of the basin's evolution across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. The findings refine the biostratigraphic zonation of the basin and underscore the value of integrated palynological and palynofacies studies in petroleum exploration and paleoenvironmental reconstruction.

The main aim of this study was to examine awareness of child adoption does not positively affect the perception and attitude of infertile women. The problem of this study was that infertility has become a global health challenge with devastating psycho-social consequences in many African communities. Nigeria’s rate of infertility is as high as 30%. Child adoption, although usually perceived as the last option for couples with incurable infertility, is associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and ethical issues. These issues have been linked to low acceptance of child adoption among infertile couples. The broad objective of this study was to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in South-western Nigeria. The methodology adopted by this study was the probabilistic and survey research design which was employed using questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique with a criterion sampling strategy was used to select hundred and thirty household (130) not necessary infertile women and a focus group structured interview was utilized to collect data from the participants. The demographic data of Respondents were analysed using the simple percentage the research hypotheses was analysed qualitatively using Chi-Square Statistical Tool to analyse the data on opinions of infertile couples. The results from the findings of this study shows, none of the respondents had ever practiced child adoption, meanwhile, awareness of child adoption was viewed as alternative to management infertility, though attitudinal disposition varied. Respondents was of the opinion that child adoption brings joy into the lives of the couple especially those who are yet to have children, though they stated that the society does not accept it but adoption was seen as a way of contributing to the life of an individual as well as make the couple satisfied. The study concludes that there the knowledge of child adoption fosters the willingness of individual and couples to legally adopt. Also, the results show that awareness of child adoption positively affects the perception and attitude of infertile women in Alagbaka Community to child adoption and its acceptability as a management option for infertility. The study further finds that child adoption as an alternative option for infertility contributes to the life of an individual as well as makes the couple fulfilled

Background: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a potential occupational biological hazard to medical and nursing students who are frequently exposed to blood and bodily fluids during clinical rotations, and the Hepatitis B vaccine is one of the most effective and safest prevention measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess and compare the knowledge, attitude, and uptake of the Hepatitis B vaccination, including its determinants, among medical and nursing students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2026, among 646 respondents, comprising 324 medical students and 322 nursing students. A multistage sampling technique was used to select students across preclinical and clinical levels. Data was collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate (Chi-square) and multivariate (Binary Logistic Regression) analyses were utilised, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 22.47 ± 2.72 years. Overall, 83.0% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of Hepatitis B and its vaccination, while 17.0% had poor knowledge. Most respondents (91.0%) exhibited a positive attitude, which was strongly predicted by good knowledge (OR = 4.078; p < 0.001). However, actual vaccination uptake was critically low, with 73.8% of students remaining completely unvaccinated and only 10.7% having completed the three-dose series. Logistic regression showed that clinical exposure significantly predicted good knowledge (p < 0.001), while course of study predicted vaccination uptake, with medical students significantly more likely to be vaccinated than nursing students 15 (OR = 2.035; p = 0.022). Lack of awareness of vaccination centres (42.1%), vaccine cost (28.9%), and lack of time (26.4%) were reported as the major barriers to vaccination. Conclusion: Despite possessing high theoretical knowledge and a positive attitude towards the HBV vaccine, the actual vaccination practice among medical and nursing students is critically inadequate. Systemic barriers, specifically cost and logistical challenges, are the primary barriers preventing positive attitudes from translating into practice. Strengthening targeted awareness campaigns, subsidising vaccine costs, and integrating proactive vaccination policies into the curriculum will enhance uptake and optimise occupational safety during clinical training.