NIL

This study examines residential rental values and the factors influencing their variation in irregular topographical areas, using Iguodalor and Iguoshodin communities in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State as case studies. The study was motivated by observed disparities in rental values within areas characterised by uneven terrain, erosion challenges, drainage problems, and varying levels of accessibility. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Primary data wwere obtained through structured questionnaires administered to tenants, landlords/developers, and Estate Surveyors and Valuers, while secondary data were sourced from relevant textbooks and journals. Out of 120 questionnaires administered, 112 were successfully retrieved and analysed.Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.The findings reveal that rental values in the study area are significantly influenced by topography, accessibility, infrastructural provision, and environmental conditions. Properties located on stable, elevated, and accessible terrain with better infrastructure command higher rental values, while those situated on steep, erosion-prone, or poorly drained land attract lower rents. The study concludes that irregular topography plays a critical role in shaping rental value patterns and recommends improved infrastructure provision, erosion control measures, and the incorporation of topographical considerations into professional rental valuation practice.

This study investigates the impact of deceptive photo editing among female students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and photo studios in Benin Metropolis, focusing on its extent, motivations, and psychological and social consequences. Guided by three research questions, the study employs a mixed-methods approach, utilizing questionnaires administered to UNIBEN female students and semi-structured interviews with photo studio operators to collect data. The theoretical framework integrates social comparison theory, self-presentation theory, and uses and gratifications theory to explore the psychological motivations, social dynamics, and cultural influences driving deceptive photo editing. Findings reveal that deceptive editing is prevalent, with students frequently using apps like Adobe Photoshop and Snapchat to alter appearances for social media, and studios reporting regular requests for edits like skin lightening. Motivations include conforming to societal beauty standards, seeking social media validation, and responding to peer pressure, reflecting Nigeria’s cultural emphasis on attractiveness and global aesthetic trends. Psychologically, editing often leads to low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, though it temporarily boosts confidence. Socially, edited photos garner positive feedback, fostering validation dependency and reducing authenticity in peer interactions. Thematic analysis highlights widespread editing, culturally specific beauty ideals, social media influence, mixed psychological impacts, and unrealistic beauty norms, with extreme editing causing identity conflict. The study underscores the complex interplay of psychological, social, and cultural factors in deceptive photo editing, offering insights for addressing its impacts on self-perception and social interactions.

This study examines how important geotechnical properties of soil affect the stability, safety, and overall performance of engineering structures. Soil samples were taken from depths of 1.0 m, 2.0 m, 3.0 m, and 4.0 m, and tested for moisture content, grain size distribution, Atterberg limits, specific gravity, compaction behaviour, and triaxial shear strength. These tests helped to determine the soil’s physical and mechanical characteristics and how they respond to different loading and environmental conditions. Grain size results showed that the soil is mainly sandy, which explains its high permeability and low tendency to compress. The Atterberg limits indicated low to moderate plasticity, meaning the soil has limited swelling and shrinking capability. Specific gravity values suggested the presence of quartz-rich materials, while compaction tests provided the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) needed for proper construction. The triaxial test also gave the shear strength values required for evaluating bearing capacity and slope stability. The results shows that the soil has good engineering qualities when properly compacted, making it suitable for foundations, road bases, embankments, and similar structures. The study highlights the need for thorough geotechnical investigation before construction to avoid structural failures and recommends continuous monitoring and soil improvement methods where weaker layers occur.

Farm produce marketing is the process of moving agricultural products from the farm gate to the final consumer through activities. The aim of this study is to develop an online platform for farm produce marketing that enhances efficiency, accessibility, and transparency in agricultural transactions. The motivation that led to the implementation of the proposed system is that there is lack of direct access to profitable markets for smallholder farmers. Also, farm produce consumers face challenges in accessing fresh farm produce directly from farmers without relying heavily on intermediaries. The research identified major challenges in farm produce marketing, including poor access to market information reported by 30% of farmers, high dependence on middlemen (20%), and poor transportation and logistics (15%). The methodology adopted in this study is the object-oriented analysis and design methodology (OOADM) which is a technical approach for analyzing and designing an application or system by applying object throughout the software development process. The web programming languages (HTML, CSS, JAVASCRIPT, and PHP) was used in the software development process because, it is platform independent and it is a web-based application. The proposed farm produce marketing system will enhance agricultural commercialization by linking farmers directly with consumers and wholesalers. The expected result is an online platform for farm produce marketing that will establish training and support programs within the platform to improve digital literacy and encourage adoption among farmers.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a pervasive endocrine-disrupting chemical, poses significant ecological risks to aquatic organisms due to its widespread environmental contamination. This study investigates the effects of sublethal BPA concentrations on total protein levels in Clarias gariepinus (African catfish), a bioindicator species, to evaluate its sublethal toxicity and physiological implications. Following the organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) guidelines for sublethal testing, fish were exposed to four BPA concentrations (1.25, 2.50, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/L) alongside positive (0.0 mg/L BPA) and negative (1.25 mg/L DMSO) controls under static conditions for 28 days. Total protein levels were quantified spectrophotometrically using the Biuret method, with statistical analysis performed via one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s test (p < 0.05). Results revealed a significant dose-dependent reduction in total protein at higher concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 mg/L) after 7 days compared to controls (p< 0.05). However, these differences diminished by day 28, suggesting potential adaptive mechanisms or compensatory responses. The transient decline in protein levels at higher doses aligns with BPA-induced oxidative stress, which may impair hepatic protein synthesis or accelerate proteolysis. These findings underscore the time- and dose-dependent nature of BPA toxicity, highlighting its capacity to disrupt protein metabolism in aquatic organisms. The study emphasizes the need for stricter regulatory measures to mitigate BPA discharge into aquatic ecosystems, thereby reducing its sublethal impacts on fish physiology and broader ecological health.

The rising global demand for sustainable and renewable energy sources has intensified interest in biofuels as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of biofuels derived from selected Nigerian crops, with the aim of exploring their potential as eco-friendly energy resources. Locally available feedstocks such as palm oil, groundnut oil, and cassava were utilized for biofuel production through transesterification and fermentation processes. Physicochemical properties of the synthesized biofuels—including density, viscosity, flash point, calorific value, and cetane number—were analyzed in accordance with ASTM standards and compared with conventional diesel fuel. The results revealed that the produced biofuels exhibited properties comparable to standard diesel, indicating good ignition quality and combustion efficiency. Variations in yield and performance were attributed to differences in the oil content and fatty acid composition of the feedstocks. Furthermore, the study established that Nigerian crops provide a sustainable raw material base for biofuel production, with minimal environmental impact and strong potential for rural economic development. The research concludes that biofuels synthesized from indigenous Nigerian crops are promising renewable energy alternatives capable of reducing dependency on petroleum-based fuels and mitigating carbon emissions. The study recommends further optimization of production parameters and scaling up of local biofuel technologies to enhance energy security and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

The Nigerian music industry has undergone a dramatic transformation in the digital era (1999– 2024), fueled by technological advancements, the rise of streaming platforms, and the global popularity of Afrobeats. While these developments have created unprecedented opportunities for artists and record labels, they have also intensified disputes over contractual fairness, revenue sharing, and intellectual property rights. This study critically examines the legal realities and industry dynamics of Nigerian recording contracts, focusing on the pre-contractual negotiation process, transparency in artist-label relationships, and the effectiveness of existing legal and institutional frameworks in ensuring fairness. The research explores key issues such as information asymmetry, bargaining power imbalances, and the opaque nature of royalty structures, which often leave artists vulnerable to exploitative agreements. It evaluates the role of Nigerian contract law, the Copyright Act 2022, the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020, and industry institutions like the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and Collective Management Organizations (CMOs) in regulating contractual fairness. Case law and industry disputes, including landmark cases like King Sunny Ade v. African Songs Ltd and Kizz Daniel v. G-Worldwide Entertainment, are analyzed to assess the legal protections available to artists and labels. Methodologically, this study adopts a doctrinal legal approach, relying on statutory analysis, case law review, and comparative examination of international transparency standards. The findings reveal significant gaps in Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework, particularly in contract enforcement, financial accountability, and regulatory oversight. While existing laws provide theoretical protections, weak enforcement mechanisms and a lack of industry-wide contract transparency allow exploitative practices to persist. This research recommends the adoption of standardized contract clauses, mandatory financial disclosures, stronger oversight of CMOs, and the integration of blockchain technology for royalty tracking to enhance transparency. Strengthening artist education, collective bargaining frameworks, and dispute resolution mechanisms will also be essential in fostering a more balanced and sustainable music industry. By addressing these legal and industry gaps, Nigeria can move towards a more equitable system where both artists and record labels thrive.

This study set out to explore The Effectiveness of Ai-Assisted Research Compared to Traditional Methods: A Study of UNIBEN Students, especially when compared to more traditional research methods. As tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Quillbot become increasingly popular, it was important to understand how students are using them, what they find helpful, and what concerns they might have. Using a survey of 402 undergraduate students across different faculties, the study found that most students are not only aware of AI tools but also actively use them to make research faster, easier, and more accurate. Many students appreciated the convenience of AI, highlighting benefits like better grammar, faster content generation, and easier access to information. However, there were also shared concerns some students worried about over dependence, reduced originality, and the ethical implications of relying too much on AI. Interestingly, while around 68% of the students preferred using AI tools for research, others still valued traditional methods, especially for tasks that require deep thinking, proper citations, and personal analysis. These findings reflect a wider conversation in academia: AI is helpful, but it shouldn't replace human insight, critical thinking, or academic honesty. In conclusion, the study suggests that AI tools should be embraced—but with caution. Institutions should provide guidance on responsible usage, introduce AI literacy into the curriculum, and help students learn how to balance innovation with integrity. This research adds to our understanding of how Nigerian students view AI in education and offers practical steps for using these tools wisely and effectively

In today's fast-paced and competitive business environment, organizations are constantly seeking innovative strategies to enhance their performance and maintain a competitive edge. Employment training and development have emerged as crucial components of organizational success, enabling employees to acquire new skills, knowledge, and competencies that drive productivity and efficiency. This study investigates the impact of employment training and development on organizational performance, with a specific focus on the department of Vocational and Technical Education, University of Benin. The descriptive survey research design was adopted, with a population of all administrative staff from within the faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin city, Edo state. A proportionate sampling technique yielded a sample size of 60 respondents. Four research questions were raised and answered in the study. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The findings of this study reveal a positive correlation between employment training and development initiatives and organizational performance metrics, including employee productivity, job satisfaction, and retention rates. The study also identifies key factors that influence the effectiveness of training programs, including leadership support, employee engagement, and opportunities for skill application. The results of this study provide valuable insights for organizational leaders and human resource practitioners seeking to optimize their training and development initiatives and enhance overall organizational performance. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of evidence-based training strategies that drive business success.

Sexual violence is an extensive and deeply distressing crime that poses significant challenges to the criminal justice systems globally, particularly in Nigeria, and this is often committed in private, without witnesses, and under conditions where victims face social stigmatization and psychological trauma which could range from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic related issues, such crimes are infamously difficult to investigate and prosecute, It remains a pervasive and deeply rooted issue in Nigeria, cutting across social, economic and cultural boundaries, This study explores the prevalence , causes and consequences of sexual violence crimes in the country, examining both the systemic failures and cultural attitudes that enables it's persistence, it examines the application of forensic evidence as an essential tool in detecting and prosecuting sexual violence crimes, focusing on how scientific methods can improve the effectiveness and credibility of investigations and legal proceedings worldwide, with particular focus on Nigeria, with the primary aim to explore how forensic techniques such as DNA analysis, toxicology, fingerprint, forensic pathology,crime scene reconstruction, and expert testimony and other forensic techniques can assist law enforcement agencies and the judiciary in obtaining objective and more accurate evidence in sexual offence cases. Furthermore, this study seeks to identify the forensic methods most relevant to such crimes, assess the challenges inhibiting their effective application in Nigeria, and propose legal and institutional reforms to enhance their uses.