NIL(1971)

Background: The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) was designed to provide qualitative healthcare and financial risk protection for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Despite its potential to ensure Universal Health overage (UHC), limited awareness and low utilisation remain significant challenges that hinder its effectiveness in addressing the health needs of the undergraduate population. Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and utilisation of the Tertiary nstitutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 646 undergraduate students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, self-administered questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude, utilisation, and barriers to the use of TISHIP. Data were analysed using SPSS version 27.0.
Univariate analysis summarised means, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis using chisquare tests determined associations between socio-demographic factors and respondents’ knowledge and utilisation. Binary logistic regression identified independent determinants of good utilisation. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: A total of 646 respondents participated, with a mean age of 20.3 ± 2.5 years. Three hundred and seventy-five (58.0%) were male, while 271 (42.0%) were female. Overall, knowledge was low, as only 26 (4.0%) had good knowledge of the scheme, while 620 (96.0%) had poor knowledge. espondents aged ˃ 20 years (6.1%) demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of good knowledge compared to those ≤ 20 years (2.6%) (p = 0.025). Regarding attitude, 133 (60.5%) demonstrated a positive attitude towards TISHIP, while 87 (39.5%) demonstrated a negative attitude. Two hundred and seventy-three (42.3%) of the respondents were enrolled in the scheme. Utilisation was poor, as only 102 (37.4%) of enrolled students had ever utilised the services. Respondents in higher academic levels (400L–600L) had a significantly higher proportion of utilisation (57.1%) compared to those in lower levels (24.0%) (p < 0.001).
Multivariate analysis showed that academic level was a significant determinant, with students in lower levels being less likely to utilise the scheme compared to their seniors (OR = 0.360, 95% CI = 0.161–0.806, p = 0.013). Conclusion: Undergraduates at the University of Benin demonstrated a generally negative attitude toward TISHIP, coupled with abysmally low knowledge and poor utilisation practices. Significant gaps in institutional communication and administrative barriers remain. Targeted health education
during orientation and the digitalisation of registration processes are essential to improve awareness and ensure effective utilisation of the health insurance scheme.

Background / Purpose of the Study: Physiotherapy has proven effective in managing musculoskeletal conditions; however, awareness and utilisation of such services among Basic Medical Students at the University of Benin remains underexplored. Methods / Procedure: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed involving 336 Basic Medical Students selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using an adapted questionnaire on awareness and utilization of physiotherapy services from a previous study and analysed using descriptive statistics like mean, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages and Chi-square tests to examine associations between awareness, utilisation, and sociodemographic factors. Results: This study found out that all participants were familiar with the term physiotherapy. The primary sources of information were academic settings (40.8%) and physiotherapists (25.9%). A majority (57.1%) recognized physiotherapists as healthcare providers who treat patients, although misconceptions about their roles were evident. Utilisation was low, with 32.7% having used physiotherapy services, primarily for knee and low back pain. Ignorance about physiotherapy was identified as the major barrier to utilisation. Significant associations were found between awareness and factors such as gender (P= 0.020, X2= 9.28) and level of study (P= 0.043, X2= 37.79), indicating variation in knowledge sources and depth. Despite low utilization, attitudes towards physiotherapy were predominantly positive, with 97.6% willing to recommend the services. Conclusion: The study highlights the need for enhanced health education and policy strategies to improve awareness and encourage utilisation of physiotherapy services among Basic Medical Students, which may contribute to better management of musculoskeletal pain and improved academic outcomes.

This study critically analyzes the role of Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) in enhancing healthcare delivery. Focusing on the period from 2020 onward, the research explores the applications and benefits of CDSS, including their potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and personalize treatment through precision medicine. The study also investigates the significant challenges hindering widespread CDSS adoption, such as technical barriers like interoperability issues with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), clinician resistance due to concerns about trust and workflow disruption, and ethical considerations surrounding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and practices, the research aims to densify practical and innovative strategies for optimizing CDSS integration, usability, and acceptance in diverse healthcare settings, with a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by low-resource environments. The study's findings are intended to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, developers, and ultimately, patients, by providing insights into the potential and limitations of CDSS in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

This project examines the Oghogho dance as a tool for cultural revival to achieve this, the dance was staged to provide a more authentic knowledge of the dance in the kind of the reader or audience. Literary/artistic methodology were explored to determine the theoretical / practical aspects of the research. Thus, the research conclude that dance is an essential necessity for reviving culture

The study investigated the immunomodulatory effect of a biherbal formulation consisting of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum in Wistar albino rats. The plants were collected, air-dried, powdered, and extracted with methanol. Twenty-five healthy rats were divided into five groups: control, two extract-treated groups (50 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), a positive control (Vitamin C 50 mg/kg), and a negative control (Cyclophosphamide 30 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally for seven days prior to immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Immunomodulatory activity was assessed using delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), hemagglutination antibody titer, total and differential leukocyte counts, CD4 T-cell count, and organ weight indices. Results showed that the biherbal formulation significantly (p < 0.05) increased body weight, thymus and spleen indices, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils compared to the control. Serum protein, hemoglobin, and albumin
globulin ratio were also elevated, while Cyclophosphamide markedly reduced these parameters. The extract enhanced CD4⁺ T-cell and B-cell populations, indicating stimulation of both humoral and cellular immune responses. Additionally, the formulation reduced paw edema in DTH assay, demonstrating anti-inflammatory potential. The methanolic extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and Ocimum gratissimum possesses potent immunomodulatory properties, acting as both an immunostimulant and an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings provide scientific evidence supporting its traditional use and suggest that the formulation may serve as a natural, affordable alternative for immune enhancement and regulation

This study examined the impact of venture capital financing on the performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, with emphasis on growth, profitability, and innovation capacity. The study adopted a survey research design and primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires to 205 SME owners and managers who have received or sought venture capital support. A total of 198 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. The descriptive results revealed that respondents generally perceive venture capital financing as
a catalyst for business expansion, increased revenue, operational efficiency, and enhanced innovative capability. The inferential analysis further confirmed these perceptions. The regression results showed that venture capital financing has a significant positive effect on SME growth ,profitability, and innovation indicating that venture capital financing explains 67.9% of the variation in SME performance. The findings reveal that venture capital financing significantly contributes to the growth and competitiveness of SMEs by providing not only financial support but also managerial expertise, mentorship, and access to networks. However,
challenges such as limited awareness, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and high investment risks hinder the full realization of venture capital’s potential. In Benin, however, the venture capital market remains underdeveloped due to regulatory bottlenecks, low investor confidence, and limited awareness among entrepreneurs. The study concludes that venture capital financing plays a strategic role in improving SME performance in Benin City by fostering growth, increasing financial outcomes, and encouraging
innovation. It recommends that government and private sector stakeholders enhance access to venture capital through policy support, investment incentives, and awareness programmers, in order to strengthen SME development and economic sustainability and also strengthening Nigeria’s venture capital framework is essential for unlocking the full potential of SMEs in driving sustainable economic growth and competitiveness.

This study examines the relationship between teacher–student relationships and students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area. The research is motivated by concerns over declining academic outcomes and the need to understand how interpersonal dynamics within the classroom influence learning. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with a sample of students and teachers selected from selected public secondary schools using stratified and random sampling techniques. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and academic performance records, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential tools such as correlation and regression analysis.
Findings reveal that positive teacher–student relationships—characterized by mutual respect, effective communication, emotional support, and fairness—are significantly associated with improved academic performance among students. Conversely, strained or distant relationships were linked to low motivation, poor classroom participation, and weaker academic outcomes. The study also indicates that factors such as teacher attitude, classroom environment, and level of student engagement mediate this relationship.
The study concludes that the quality of teacher–student interaction plays a crucial role in shaping students’ academic success in public secondary schools. It recommends that teachers adopt more supportive and student-centered approaches, while school administrators should promote professional development programs that enhance interpersonal and classroom management skills. Strengthening teacher–student relationships is essential for improving academic performance and overall educational outcomes

This study examines the impact of government policies on the depreciation of the Nigerian Naira during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. The research focuses on the economic reforms introduced under the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which aimed to restructure the Nigerian economy through deregulation, currency devaluation, and trade liberalization. Using a historical and analytical approach, the study evaluates how these policies influenced exchange rate dynamics, inflation, and overall economic stability. Data were obtained from secondary sources, including government publications, Central Bank reports, and scholarly literature. The findings reveal that while the policies were designed to promote economic growth and reduce external imbalances, they significantly contributed to the depreciation of the Naira due to increased market-driven exchange rate mechanisms, reduced government intervention, and rising demand for foreign exchange. Additionally, the study highlights the socio-economic consequences of currency depreciation, such as increased cost of living and reduced purchasing power among citizens. The research concludes that although the reforms had long-term economic intentions, their short-term effects exacerbated currency instability. It recommends the adoption of balanced policy frameworks that combine market efficiency with strategic government intervention to ensure currency stability and sustainable economic development in Nigeria.

This study evaluates the role of mobile applications in enhancing service delivery across various sectors, including healthcare, public services, and customer support. The rapid adoption of mobile apps has transformed how services are accessed and delivered, making it essential to assess their effectiveness, usability, security, and user satisfaction. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, this research analyzes the key factors influencing the use and success of mobile apps in service delivery. The study specifically examines the usability and user experience of mobile apps, the efficiency of service delivery, security and privacy concerns, adoption barriers, and the role of personalization features in boosting user engagement. A questionnaire was administered to users who regularly interact with mobile apps for service delivery, gathering insights into their satisfaction, challenges, and expectations. The findings reveal that while mobile apps generally improve service efficiency and engagement, significant challenges remain in areas such as technical stability, security, and accessibility. Notably, users expressed concerns regarding privacy and data security, which can hinder the broader adoption of mobile apps. This research highlights the importance of addressing these challenges to ensure the continued success of mobile apps in service delivery. Recommendations for improving app usability, enhancing security measures, overcoming adoption barriers, and leveraging personalization features are provided. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on mobile technology and its impact on service delivery, offering valuable insights for developers, service providers, and policymakers seeking to optimize the user experience and maximize the benefits of mobile applications.

This project evaluates the techno-economic impact of energy losses and unserved energy on a typical 11kV distribution feeder, using the GRA feeder as a case study. Data were collected over one month from the GRA 33/11kV injection substation and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), then analyzed and simulated in PSS/E to estimate technical losses and voltage profiles. The study found that active power losses of 277.72 kW (equivalent to 277.72 kWh per hour) significantly contribute to network inefficiencies. When converted to monetary value using current tariff structures, these losses result in substantial financial costs across all customer bands, with Band A alone exceeding ₦1.39 million daily if sustained. Overall, the findings show that even moderate technical losses and outages can lead to significant financial burdens. This underscores the importance of improving network efficiency and reliability to reduce energy losses and minimize the economic impact of unserved energy