ACADEMIC

This project explored how open-source software (OSS) is being used for academic activities in Nigerian universities, focusing on the University of Benin as a case study. The aim was to find out how aware students and ICT personnel are of OSS, how they use
it for learning, teaching, and research, the benefits they gain from it, and the challenges that limit its proper use. A descriptive survey design was used for the study, and data were gathered through a structured questionnaire created with Google Forms. Seventy (70) valid responses were collected from students and ICT staff across different faculties. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, and mean scores, and the results were presented in tables for clarity. Findings showed that most respondents were aware of and made use of open-source tools like Moodle, Google Workspace, DSpace, and Koha. These tools were mainly used for online learning, collaboration, and research work. The study also revealed that OSS is appreciated for being affordable, flexible, and easy to access, though some challenges—such as poor internet connection, limited training, and lack of Institutional support—still make it difficult to use effectively

The quality of building maintenance in on-campus student hostels plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic experiences and overall well-being. This study examines the impact of hostel maintenance practices on the academic performance of students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Nigeria. A combination questionnaires and interviews were administered; data were collected from hostel residents and maintenance managers to assess the effectiveness of maintenance practices and their influence on student outcomes. A total of 180 students were sampled from two hostels, with responses analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that while routine and corrective maintenance practices are in place, their effectiveness is limited by resource constraints, delayed responses, and poor implementation. Key maintenance challenges include inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, faulty plumbing, and inefficient waste disposal, all of which were perceived as negatively impacting students’ living conditions. Regression analysis shows a significant positive relationship between students’ academic performance (measured by CGPA) and their perception of hostel maintenance effectiveness, particularly in areas such as restroom condition, water supply, and overall maintenance quality. The study concludes that improving hostel maintenance through proactive strategies, increased resource allocation, and efficient management practices can enhance students’ academic success. ecommendations include the adoption of preventive maintenance measures, digital reporting systems for maintenance issues, and improved supervision of facility management personnel. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on student housing quality and its implications for academic performance in public tertiary institutions.

Divorce, defined as the legal dissolution of marriage, represents the formal termination of a marital union, marking its official end just as a wedding ceremony signifies its beginning. The causes of divorce are multifaceted and include factors such as abuse, financial mismanagement, infidelity, infertility, poor communication, early marriage, prolonged hardship, substance abuse, external family influence, and other marital conflicts. As a significant life crisis, divorce has increasingly attracted global attention due to its psychological, social, and economic implications for couples, their children, and society at large. Available literature indicates that marriage breakdown is on the rise worldwide. Statistics from developed countries reveal steady increases in divorce rates over the past decades, with notable figures recorded in the United States, Australia, and Sweden. Although accurate statistical data in Nigeria remain limited due to the tendency to handle divorce matters privately outside formal legal systems, existing studies and societal observations suggest a growing incidence of marital dissolution. Factors contributing to this increase in Nigeria include economic pressures, changing family structures, post-war societal shifts, women’s increasing independence, and broader processes of social liberalization. Overall, divorce continues to pose significant emotional and social challenges, highlighting the need for deeper understanding and intervention strategies.