NIL

Background: Tear break up is an important indicator of tear film stability, representing the interval between a complete blink and the first appearance of a dry spot on the corneal surface. Humidity plays a crucial role in tear film dynamics. Increase humidity decelerate evaporative water loss from the tear film, increasing tear break up time (TBUT) and alleviate ocular discomfort. Objective: This study investigated the effect of increased humidity on tear breakup time (TBUT) amid fifty (50) participants attending University of Benin Optometry teaching clinic. Studies have shown that increased humidity leads to a significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT), resulting in increased ocular comfort. Therefore, in this study we investigated the effect of increased humidity on TBUT. Method: Close observation on fifty (50) participants with convenient sampling design. Data on age, gender was carried out, an ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire was used to grade the participants into normal, mild, moderate and severe tear dry eye , they were then exposed to ideal humidity and increased humidity level, after 10 minutes of acclimatization in each humidity condition, non-invasive tear break up time (NITBUT) was measured in both conditions and findings were recorded. Result: Increase in humidity between 50% and 70% relative humidity (RH) were statistically significant (p < 0.001), with large effect sizes (r = 0.80-0.95), participants with normal, mild and severe ocular surface disorder index (OSDI) score all showed significant increase in tear break up time (TBUT) and increased ocular comfort. Conclusion: Result demonstrates that increase in humidity level markedly improved tear film stability from all groups regardless of age, gender, ocular surface health (normal or dry eye). The results of this study confirmed that humidity is a critical environmental factor that influences ocular surface health. The study also revealed that controlled increase in humidity level yielded statistically significant tear film stability (p<0.001) in all groups. KEYWORDS: relative humidity, tear break-up time, tear film stability, ocular health.

This research examines Igbo traditional marriage songs as a vital aspect of the Igbo people’s oral literature and cultural heritage. The study explores the linguistic, stylistic, thematic and cultural features of the songs performed during traditional marriage ceremonies. It aims to reveal how these songs serve as instruments of communication, education, entertainment and cultural preservation. Data for the study were collected through oral interviews, observation and recordings of live performances. The analysis focused on the language use, poetic structure, stylistic devices and underlying meanings of the selected songs. The study is anchored on two theoretical frameworks – the Semiotic/Structuralist Theory and the Performance Theory. The Semiotic/Structuralist approach provides a framework for interpreting the symbols, signs, ad structures embedded in the songs, helping to uncover the deeper cultural meanings conveyed through linguistic and poetic patterns. The performance Theory, on the other hand, views the songs not just as texts but as dynamic acts of performance that involve interaction, participation, and emotion, reflecting the social and cultural context of Igbo marriage ceremonies. Finding shows that Igbo traditional marriage songs are rich in imagery, metaphor, repetition, proverbs and call and response patterns that promote communal participation and aesthetic beauty. Thematically, the songs express love, unity, fertility, respect and moral instructions all of which reflect the Igbo worldview about marriage as a sacred and communal institution. The songs also serve as a means of transmitting cultural values and social norms from one generation to another. The study concludes that Igbo traditional marriage songs are not merely for entertainment but are powerful tools for sustaining the people’s language, traditional and identity. It recommends the documentation, preservation and promotion these songs as an essential part of Nigeria’s intangible cultural heritage.

The purpose of the study was to examine the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students towards family planning in the University of Benin. To achieve the purpose of the study, three (3) research questions and one hypothesis were raised and important literature related to family planning were clearly discussed.The descriptive survey research design was used for this study and the population consisted of all enrolled undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Benin City,Edo State during the 2024/2025 session, with an estimated undergraduate population of 41,404 students (19,779 females and 21,625 males). A Multi stage sampling procedure was adopted for this study, to select one hundred and ninety (190) students from five faculties. The instrument used for data collection was a well-structured close-ended questionnaire with twenty (20) items. The questionnaire was validated by the project supervisor and two other lecturers in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The Cronbach alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of one hundred and ninety (190) questionnaires were administered to the sample and data collected was analyzed using frequency count and percentage while Chi Square was used to test the hypothesis ofthe study.Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that undergraduate students in the University of Benin are well informed about family planning and hold predominantly positive attitudes toward it. The statistically significant relationship established between knowledge and attitudes further confirms that greater knowledge of family planning is associated with more favourable attitudinal disposition among undergraduates it was therefore recommended that University health authorities should sustain and expand existing reproductive health education programmes to consolidate and deepen the high levels of family planning knowledge already recorded among undergraduate students,ensuring that information remains current, accurate, and accessible across all faculties,Campus health centres should build on the positive attitudinal climate identified in this study by creating platforms that encourage open dialogue around family planning,including peer education sessions, health fairs, and counselling services that address misconceptions and reinforce favourable attitudes. And also, policymakers and health educators should design evidence-based interventions that prioritize knowledge enhancement as a strategy for sustaining positive attitudes toward family planning.

This study investigates the awareness and responsiveness of Egor residents to broadcast media campaigns against open defecation. Using a survey method with a sample size of 400 residents, the research examined the level of exposure to sanitation messages, the effectiveness of broadcast media campaigns, and the behavioral response of the community. Findings revealed that while a majority of residents are aware of the campaigns and find them useful, challenges such as inadequate facilities and entrenched habits limit full compliance. The study concludes that broadcast media campaigns significantly influence awareness but must be supported with community-based interventions and infrastructure development to achieve sustainable sanitation practices.

Cette étude examine le rôle des réseaux sociaux dans l’apprentissage et l’enseignement de la langue française, en prenant comme cas d’étude les étudiants de deuxième année du Département des Langues Étrangères à l’Université du Bénin. Avec l’évolution rapide des technologies numériques, les réseaux sociaux sont devenus des outils importants dans le domaine de l’éducation, offrant de nouvelles possibilités d’interaction, de communication et d’accès aux ressources pédagogiques. Cette recherche analyse la manière dont les plateformes sociales contribuent au développement des compétences linguistiques des apprenants en français, notamment à travers l’amélioration du vocabulaire, de la communication écrite et orale, ainsi que de la compréhension culturelle. Elle examine également les avantages et les limites de l’utilisation des réseaux sociaux dans le processus d’enseignement et d’apprentissage de la langue française. Adoptant une approche qualitative basée sur des questionnaires, des entretiens et l’analyse de sources pertinentes, l’étude met en évidence l’influence des réseaux sociaux sur la motivation des étudiants et leur engagement dans l’apprentissage du français. Les résultats révèlent que les réseaux sociaux peuvent constituer des outils pédagogiques efficaces lorsqu’ils sont utilisés de manière appropriée et intégrés aux méthodes d’enseignement traditionnelles. L’étude conclut que l’utilisation pédagogique des réseaux sociaux favorise un apprentissage plus interactif, autonome et adapté aux réalités numériques contemporaines.

Cette étude examine le rôle des festivals dans la préservation du patrimoine culturel, en mettant particulièrement l’accent sur le cas du Festival d’Orogun. Les festivals constituent des institutions culturelles importantes qui favorisent la transmission des traditions, des valeurs, des croyances et des expériences historiques d’une génération à une autre. Cette recherche analyse la contribution du Festival d’Orogun à la préservation de l’identité culturelle à travers les pratiques traditionnelles, les représentations culturelles, les rituels et la participation communautaire. Elle explore également l’importance sociale, culturelle et éducative du festival, ainsi que les défis qui menacent sa continuité dans la société contemporaine. À travers une approche qualitative basée sur l’analyse historique, les entretiens et l’étude de documents pertinents, cette étude met en évidence l’importance des festivals comme moyens de conservation du patrimoine culturel et de renforcement de l’unité communautaire. Les résultats montrent que le Festival d’Orogun joue un rôle essentiel dans la sauvegarde des connaissances autochtones, la promotion de la cohésion sociale et la sensibilisation des jeunes générations aux valeurs culturelles. L’étude conclut que des stratégies efficaces de préservation, telles que la documentation, l’implication des jeunes et le soutien institutionnel, sont nécessaires pour assurer la continuité et la pérennité du Festival d’Orogun en tant qu’élément important du patrimoine culturel.

Cette étude analyse les transformations socioculturelles de la cuisine française en mettant l’accent sur les interactions entre la tradition, la modernité et les influences sociales contemporaines. Véritable symbole du patrimoine culturel et de l’identité nationale, la cuisine française a connu de profondes mutations sous l’effet de la mondialisation, des progrès technologiques, des migrations, de l’évolution des habitudes alimentaires ainsi que d’une prise de conscience croissante des enjeux sanitaires et environnementaux. Cette recherche examine la manière dont les pratiques culinaires traditionnelles sont préservées tout en s’adaptant aux exigences de la vie moderne et à la diversité culturelle. Elle s’intéresse également à l’influence des réseaux sociaux, du tourisme, de l’urbanisation et des nouvelles structures familiales sur les modes de préparation, de consommation et de transmission des savoir-faire culinaires. Adoptant une approche qualitative fondée sur l’analyse documentaire d’ouvrages scientifiques, de sources historiques et des tendances culinaires actuelles, l’étude met en évidence le caractère dynamique de la gastronomie française, qui parvient à concilier innovation et préservation de son héritage. Les résultats montrent que la cuisine française continue d’évoluer grâce à l’intégration de nouvelles techniques, de nouveaux ingrédients et d’influences culturelles variées, tout en conservant les valeurs qui fondent son identité. L’étude conclut que la cuisine française constitue un patrimoine vivant, capable de refléter les mutations de la société contemporaine tout en demeurant un marqueur essentiel de la culture française.

This study investigated social work intervention strategies addressing intimate partner abuse (IPA) in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the prevalence and forms of IPA, identify socio-cultural factors influencing its occurrence, evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions, and examine challenges faced by social workers. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to adult residents, including survivors and social work professionals. Of 400 distributed questionnaires, 386 were completed and analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and controlling behaviours were the most common forms of IPA in the area. Socio-cultural factors such as patriarchal norms, poverty, unemployment, misinterpretation of religious teachings, weak institutional responses, and family pressures significantly contributed to the persistence of abuse. Social work interventions—including counselling, public awareness campaigns, economic empowerment initiatives, legal advocacy, and collaboration with community leaders were found to be moderately effective. However, limited resources, stigma, fear of victim-blaming, and inadequate inter-agency collaboration constrained their full impact. The study concluded that while existing interventions have mitigated IPA to some extent, more integrated, well-resourced, and culturally sensitive strategies are required. Recommendations included strengthening institutional support, enhancing community sensitisation, promoting gender equity, and providing continuous professional development for social workers. The study contributes empirical evidence for policy formulation and practical guidance for social work interventions targeting intimate partner abuse in urban Nigerian contexts.

The objective of the study is to examine determinants of audit risk. In a bid to achieve the objectives of this study, the annual reports of the financial institutions in the Nigerian Exchange Group are stated in the period of 2019 to 2024. The method used in analyzing the data gathered for the study was the Panel least square regression technique. The findings provided that audit firm size is significantly related to audit risk in Nigeria. The study also revealed that audit tenure is not significantly related to audit risk in Nigeria. Audit expertise is significantly related to audit risk in Nigeria. The study also revealed that audit client risk is insignificantly related to audit risk in Nigeria. In terms of significance, audit firm size exhibited a negative relationship; while audit tenure, audit expertise and audit client risk exhibited a positive relationship with audit risk in Nigeria.

This study interrogates the notion of recodification as an act of resistance in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Chigozie Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities. Though separated by decades, both novels converge thematically in their defiance of cultural erasure and their reclamation of Igbo indigenous identity through narrative innovation. The research analyses how Achebe and Obioma adapt, bend, and blend language employing proverbs, idioms, myth, cosmology, and oral tradition not merely as stylistic choices but as deliberate strategies of epistemic and cultural resistance against colonial and neo-colonial forces. Using a qualitative, interpretive methodology grounded in close reading and informed by postcolonial theory and cultural studies, the study examines narrative structure, symbolic representation, and linguistic hybridity to uncover how both authors recode English to carry Igbo rhythms, ontologies, and worldviews. Building on the works of Said, Bhabha, Spivak, Ngũgĩ, and Hall, the analysis demonstrates that recodification functions as a decolonial praxis a recentering of African epistemologies within global literary discourse. The thesis argues that both Achebe’s Things Fall Apart and Obioma’s An Orchestra of Minorities use recodification through the adaptation, bending, and blending of language, myth, and oral tradition as tools for resisting colonial and modern dislocation, rewriting identity, and reclaiming cultural power.