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Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a major staple crop in West Africa, particularly in Nigeria, where it serves as a vital source of food security, income, and cultural significance. Despite its importance, yam production faces numerous challenges, including declining soil fertility, high labor requirements in traditional mound cultivation, the prohibitive cost of inorganic fertilizers and security challenges across Nigeria. Bag propagation has emerged as an innovative alternative, enabling efficient soil and nutrient management, reduced pest and disease incidence, and suitability for limited land areas. Poultry manure, a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer, offers a sustainable means of enhancing soil fertility for yam production. It improves soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient availability, thereby promoting vegetative growth and tuber yield. However, limited research exists on its application in bag-propagated yam. This study, therefore, evaluates the effect of poultry manure on the growth and yield of bag-propagated yam, aiming to identify a cost-effective and environmentally friendly practice that enhances productivity and supports sustainable yam cultivation. The experimental site was a private farm in Ogida quarters. The experiment comprised two treatments, each treatment had six (6) replications. At outset, date of planting was recorded. Number of days to sprouting, vine lengths, stem diameter, number of leaves were recorded at subsequent intervals. At harvest, tuber weight and vine weight were recorded. Data collected were analyzed using excel, the two means were compared using t-test method with the probability of 0.05 and unequal variance. Yam grown with poultry manure recorded higher vine length and greater tuber weight at harvest compared to those without manure. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that the application of poultry manure significantly improved the growth and yield of bag propagated yam.

In this discourse, the relevane of building Development Communication intervention on establish models of communication ot achieve maximum benefits from such intervention is highlighted. It borrowed from posiont of communication models such as the objective or transmission model. Subjective or receiver-oriented model and the social network or negotiation model. Important considerations to make the most of Development Communication interventions are also x-rayed. This include among others sing development communication as participatory tool for agriculture nad rural development, seeing it as worthwhile venture and not mere megaphone of development interventions, its usefulness for varied development intervention an seeking the service of trained development communication specialists,

This research work is based on; "The Impact of Examination Malpractice on the Academic
Performance of Senior Secondary School Students in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo state. The objective of this research is to investigate the impact, forms, causes, to what extent as examination malpractice undermines students learning ability and possible solutions to curb its further occurrences in senior secondary schools. A descriptive survey research design was used for this study. The population of the study comprised of both male and female students in senior secondary schools (public and private) in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. The sample for the study consisted of ighty￾eight(88) students (male and female) drawn from 6 secondary schools (three private schools and
three government schools) and the purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the schools and five (5) students were selected from each school with a random sampling technique. The questionnaire was used as the research instrument for the study since it's a quantitative research. The data collected were analysed using the simple percentage and frequency. The findings from the study indicates that students who engage in examination malpractice do not perform well in higher advanced subjects, having difficulty in learning. Secondly, the findings outlined various forms of examination malpractice ranging from copying from other students, bringing in of prepared notes, follow by usage of smartphone then less of assistance by examination officials. Also the research suggests some impact on the students such short-term over long-term consequences. The researcher recommends to different stakeholders such as students, parents,
school administrators and WAEC and NECO agencies,among which are creation of an
independent examination body monitoring and quality assurance agency specifically tasked with overseeing examination conduct, investigating malpractice case , and ensuring adherence to moral ethical standards in both internal and external examinations. And also,improve teaching quality, strategies and pedagogical approaches to enhance students understanding, engagement and genuine learning. Employ diverse instructional methods including interactive learning, practical demonstrations, and real-world applications that make learning meaningful and memorable.

This study examines the impact of four key taxes Corporate Income Tax (CIT), Value- Added Tax (VAT), Personal Income Tax (PIT), and Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) on
economic growth in Nigeria, using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as the proxy for
economic performance over the period 2010 to 2023. The study employs an ex-post factor research design, utilizing panel data techniques to analyze the relationship between
taxation and GDP. The findings indicate that all four tax components have a significant
positive relationship with GDP, suggesting that effective tax policies and their implementation play a crucial role in driving economic growth. The study reveals that while CIT encourages investment in strategic sectors, VAT contributes to the diversification of revenue streams, PIT supports public service funding, and PPT remains vital due to Nigeria's oil dependency. However, the results also emphasize the need for efficient tax administration, periodic reviews of tax rates, and investments in infrastructure and public services to foster sustainable growth. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening tax collection mechanisms, broadening the tax base, reducing reliance on oil revenues, and improving public awareness of the role of taxation in national development. These measures are critical to enhancing Nigeria's economic resilience and achieving long-term sustainable growth.

This study investigated the influence of parental interaction on the behavioral outcomes of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). The research was motivated by the critical role of caregiver involvement in the developmental progress of children with ASD. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 112 parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with ASD participated in the study through structured questionnaires and open-ended questions. The findings revealed that while most parents possessed a reasonable understanding of ASD and demonstrated emotional warmth and responsiveness, many struggled with behavior management skills such as consistent limit-setting and structured guidance. Statistical analyses, including Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression, confirmed significant relationships between the quality of parental interaction and behavioral outcomes in children. Limit-setting and responsiveness emerged as the strongest predictors of reduced challenging behaviors and improved social communication and self-regulation. Qualitative analysis further emphasized the effectiveness of structured routines, visual supports, and positive reinforcement while highlighting barriers such as caregiver inconsistency, limited resources, and lack of training. The study concluded that emotional responsiveness, though vital, must be complemented by consistent behavioral strategies for optimal outcomes in children with ASD. It recommends nurse-led training programs, improved access to support resources, and interdisciplinary collaboration in care delivery. The research highlights the need for ongoing support and family-wide education to enhance parental competence and child development. Future research should explore longitudinal effects and include broader cultural contexts for greater generalizability

This study investigated the impact of social media on body image and selfesteem among
adolescents. A descriptive survey research design was adopted to enable systematic collection of information from adolescents within their everyday environment. The target population comprised students aged 13–19 years from selected secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area. Using a simple random sampling method, 150 respondents were selected for participation. Data were collected using a structured instrument developed by the researcher, which included sections on demographic data, types and frequency of social media use, perceived body image, measures of self-esteem, and coping mechanisms adopted by adolescents. To establish content validity, the draft instrument was critically reviewed by the project supervisor and two specialists in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education; their recommendations were incorporated prior to final administration. The reliability of the questionnaire was tested using the test–retest technique, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.79, which indicates acceptable consistency for the measures employed. The researcher personally administered all 150 copies of the questionnaire with assistance, and all were retrieved and used for analysis. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis such as frequency counts, percentages, means, and standard deviations to sum Findings from the study revealed that social media greatly influences how adolescents in
secondary schools in Egor Local Government Area perceive their bodies. It makes them more conscious of their appearance and promotes unrealistic beauty standards. The study also found that adolescents feel more confident after receiving many likes and comments on their social media posts and feel bad when they get fewer likes than expected. Furthermore, fashion and beauty posts, celebrity lifestyles, and friends’ photos were identified as the most influential social media contents among adolescents. Instagram and TikTok were found to be the most engaging platforms, while chatting with friends and watching videos were the most common social media activities. The study also showed that most adolescents adopt positive coping mechanisms such as avoiding insecure accounts, reducing social media use, and following body positivity pages, while only a few engage in harmful behaviors such as skipping meals or
avoiding social activities because of social media pressure. Based on these findings, it was concluded that social media has a strong influence on adolescents’ perception of body image and self-esteem. Although it can enhance confidence and social connection, it can also create pressure and unrealistic standards that affect adolescents’ mental and emotional well-being. The study therefore recommends proper guidance and education on healthy social media use among adolescents to promote a positive sense of self and body acceptance.

This study examined the effect of agricultural credit on rural livelihood diversification among cassava farmers in Orhionwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from a sample of 80 cassava farmers through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean scores) and inferential statistics (Independent Samples T-test). The socio-economic analysis revealed that the majority (56.25%) of the farmers were female, with a mean age of 43 years and a mean farm size of 1.6 hectares. Cooperative societies were identified as the most frequent source of credit (33.75%), while friends and government sources also played significant roles (30% each). The
primary purposes for seeking credit were the acquisition of farm inputs for cassava
production (50.67%) and the payment of farm labor (26.67%). Despite access, 51.25% of respondents indicated that the credit received was insufficient for their needs. Livelihood diversification was found to be a prevalent survival strategy, with 92.31% of farmers engaging in other activities such as poultry farming, petty trading, and cassava processing. The results of the t-test analysis showed a statistically significant increase in mean income from ₦554,000 before accessing credit to ₦736,500 after accessing credit (P < 0.05), confirming that agricultural credit positively impacts financial leverage and diversification capacity. However, high interest rates (Mean = 2.586) and strict collateral requirements (Mean = 2.525) were identified as the leading constraints to credit access. The study recommends that financial institutions and government agencies should lower interest rates and simplify collateral requirements to enhance credit accessibility, thereby fostering sustainable rural livelihoods and economic resilience among smallholder farmers

Sesamum indicum L. (Pedaliaceae), commonly known as sesame, is one of the world’s oldest oilseed crops, valued for its high oil content (40–60%) and diverse medicinal applications. Beyond its culinary importance, sesame possesses a wide array of secondary metabolites that contribute to its pharmacological and nutritional properties. This study focused on the qualitative and quantitative determination of total tannin, saponin, and alkaloid contents in sesame seeds to evaluate their phytochemical potential. Dried sesame seeds were procured from a local market in Edo State, Nigeria, and processed
following standard phytochemical procedures. The qualitative screening confirmed the presence of tannins, saponins, and alkaloids, while quantitative evaluation revealed that tannins were the most abundant phytochemical (21.27 + 0.35 g TAE/kg), followed by saponins (20.08 ± 0.33g DE/kg) and alkaloids (9.10 ± 0.49 %). The presence of these bioactive compounds indicates that sesame seeds possess strong antioxidant
and therapeutic potential. Tannins contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, saponins play a role in cholesterol regulation and immune modulation, while alkaloids are associated with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The findings support the traditional use of sesame in herbal medicine and suggest its further application in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

Self-social isolation has increasingly become a critical concern affecting the psychological, social, and academic development of university students. This study critically investigates the causes and consequences of self-social isolation among undergraduates as perceived by Education students in the University ofBenin. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the perceived causes of self-social isolation, examine its consequences, and identify possible strategies for reducing the problem among undergraduates. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population consisted of undergraduate students in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin, from which a sample of 210 students was selected through a simple random sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection, consisting of items aligned with the research questions and rated on a four-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and its reliability was established using the test–retest and split-half methods. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage to determine the dominant responses of the participants The findings revealed that bullying, excessive phone use, working while studying and low self-esteem are major causes of self-social isolation among undergraduates. The results further showed that self-social isolation negatively affects students’ mental health and academic functioning, leading to depression, suicidal tendencies, cognitive decline, loss of motivation, and poor academic performance. Additionally, the study identified viable strategies or reducing isolation, such as improved mental health support services, increased peer interaction, enhanced social engagement activities, monitoring of screen time, and provision of academic support for struggling students. Based on these findings, the study concludes that self-social isolation poses a serious threat to students’ overall development, requiring early identification and proactive intervention. The study recommends that school authorities, teachers, guidance counselors, and policymakers adopt collaborative measures such as anti-bullying policies, counseling programs and inclusive social initiatives to support student well-being, promote social belonging and enhance academic success.

Traditional medicine has long played a crucial role in healthcare, particularly in Africa, where medicinal plants are widely used to treat various ailments. Picralima nitida, also known as the African bitter bean, is one such plant valued for its therapeutic properties, including its use in treating malaria, fever, and inflammatory conditions. Yet, regardless of its broad use in traditional medicine, scientific research on its biochemical effects is insufficient, particularly concerning its influence on mineral metabolism and metabolic health. In this study, forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The experimental groups received standard doses of aqueous Picralima nitida extract daily for a specific period, while the control group received no treatment. At the end of the study, serum calcium and uric acid concentrations were analyzed to determine potential alterations in mineral homeostasis. As calcium is essential for bone health, erve function, and enzymatic processes, and uric acid is a key metabolite linked to conditions such as gout and kidney disease, understanding how Picralima nitida affects these parameters is crucial. The findings of this study will contribute to the scientific validation of Picralima nitida in traditional medicine, therefore determining whether its continued use is safe and beneficial for metabolic and mineral homeostasis. Additionally, it could open pathways for further research into its pharmacological applications, potentially leading to the development of standardized herbal treatments based on traditional knowledge.