UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Amphibians play vital roles in our ecosystem as both predator and prey, contributing to insect population control and serving as a bio-indicator of the environmental health. This study was done to examine the food and feeding habits of anurans (Sclerophyrs maculata, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and Ptychadena pumilio) around the Faculty of Life Science towards the Department of Anatomy at the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 62 specimen were captured and analyzed using the stomach-flushing method to obtain the stomach content and the prey items were identified. The result revealed that the anurans mainly consumed insects in the Order Hymenoptera, which was the most abundant and frequently occurring prey item (73.43%). Sclerophyrs maculata had the highest dietary diversity, while H. occipitalis showed a preference for Araneae (spiders) and Ptychadena pumilio showed the lowest prey diversity probably due to the number of specimens captured. This study provides insight into the adaptability of these species to their environment, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding habits and the factors influencing their diet. The high consumption of hymenoptera suggests that crawling insects are a readily available and preferred type of food. The presence of empty stomach might indicate low availability of food or fast digestion rate.

Ornamental plants are plants selected for cultivation in a garden primarily because of their aesthetic values. Operators of such gardens may depend on its success for subsistence and income security. This study examined ornamental plants in four areas of the University of Benin, Ugbowo campus. The areas include Main gate, Life science, Physical science and Engineering. A total of 35 ornamental plant species were surveyed across the study area. A total of about 25higher plant families were encountered in all the areas. Ornamentals are of great importance to man and the environment. They may be used for beautification, food, shade, aesthetic potentials among others and as wind-breakers. In this study, the diversity and abundance of ornamental species at the University of Benin main campus, Benin City, Nigeria was determined. Most common ornamental species include; Cocos nucifera, Axonopus compressus, Durantaerecta, Eugenia unifolia and Magnifera indica. The dominant families include; Arecaceae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae. The most common type of ornamentals encountered were trees and shrubs having a percentage of about 82.8%and the least been the bulb with a percentage of about 15%

This study was designed to examine the examine the perception and factors influencing the utilization of healthcare Services among students of the University of Benin, Edo State. To guide this study, three research questions were raised. The survey research design was used in conducting the study. The main instrument employed to carry out this study was a self-structured questionnaire. The population of the study was 240. The validity of the instrument was established by giving it to the supervisor and two other experts in the field of the research study. The reliability of the instrument was established using the test-retest method of reliability which yielded a Coefficient of 0.780. The data obtained from the questionnaires were subjected to analysis using frequency counts and percentages. Results from the study from 240 respondents showed that that the perceptions of the utilization of healthcare services among students of the University of Benin includes; doubts about the equipment available in the healthcare facilities, doctors being unpleasant and unfriendly, inadequate staffs in the health centers and the scare of going to the health care centers due to the stories heard about the negligence of the doctors and nurses, also it revealed that certain factors influence the utilization of healthcare services among students of the University of Benin. These factors includes; the availability of the doctors, lengthy cue at the health center, poor quality of treatment receive from previous visits and lack of drugs. At the end of the study, it was recommended that adequate provision of healthcare personnels should be provided to reduce the cue at the health facilities, drugs should be provided for easy reach to reduce the reluctance in going to the pharmacy to buy drugs after being prescribed at the health facility, the school healthcare providers should be friendly, medical appointments should be scheduled for students in order to cater and attend to students properly and students should be guided properly in order to see the need to take control and management of their health.

This study was conducted to examine the factors affecting student performance in the study of history in higher institution a case study of the University of Benin. This study made use of the descriptive survey research design. The population of the study consisted One hundred (1,182) students which is also the sample respondents for the study. The instrument for data collection for this study was a self-constructed close-ended questionnaire the researcher's supervisors were part of the validation team. Data obtained from the study were analyzed using mean score analysis. It was found in this study that Students level of performance varies as a result of factors like strong analytical skills, teaching methods, complexity of historical analysis and ease of access to educational resources. Family, time management skills, student’s prior knowledge of history, quality of teaching, and personal motivation/interest in history are the factors responsible for the student performance in History in the university of Benin Students’ field trips, level of participation, use of modern technology, incorporation of global perspectives to history courses and the use of multimedia resources are innovative approaches that can be used to teach History in the university of Benin The student have access to the lecturers for academic and personal advice which fosters an open and supportive learning environment On the basis of the findings, it was concluded Students' performance in History at the University of Benin is influenced by various factors, including analytical skills, teaching methods, access to resources, and prior knowledge. Family background, time management, and personal motivation also play crucial roles. Innovative teaching methods such as field trips, modern technology, and multimedia resources enhance learning, while an open and supportive academic environment fosters better student engagement.

Background/Aim: Physical activity (PA) is vital for health promotion, yet its knowledge, ttitudes, and practices (KAP) remain sub-optimal among university students globally. his study aimed to assess the KAP of physical activity among undergraduate students at the University of Benin and explore barriers to their engagement. Methods: A descriptive ss-ectional study design was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to 398 undergraduate students. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a validated KAP tool were used to assess physical activity levels, knowledge, attitudes, and practices respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study revealed that 61% of participants had w knowledge of physical activity, while only 8.3% demonstrated high knowledge. Most articipants (73.1%) engaged in moderate activity, while 18.1% were inactive, and 8.8% engaged in high levels of physical activity. Misconceptions persisted, with 19.6% perceiving physical activity as potentially harmful. Lack of time (84.7%) and motivation 2.8%) ere the most reported barriers to engagement. Gender and academic level significantly influenced physical activity practices (p < 0.05), with male and lower-level students participating more actively. Conclusion: Knowledge and practices of physical activity among students were sub-optimal, with notable misconceptions and barriers influencing engagement. Targeted health education campaigns, accessible activity programs, and institutional support are essential to addressing these gaps and promoting physical activity among students.

This study examines student union politics and its effectiveness in aggregating and satisfying student interests at the University of Benin. The research explores the extent to which the student union represents student concerns, the challenges it faces, and tudent satisfaction with its performance. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 264 students through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal that while the student union is effective in advocating for student welfare, mediating conflicts, and disseminating information, it struggles with governance representation and financial transparency. Major challenges identified include administrative interference, leadership conflicts, low student participation, poor communication, and repression by university authorities. Despite these obstacles, students expressed satisfaction with welfare initiatives, recreational activities, and communication efforts, though concerns about transparency persist. The study establishes a significant relationship between student union representation, student interest aggregation, and satisfaction. Recommendations include enhancing student participation, strengthening financial transparency, and reducing administrative interference. These findings contribute to the discourse on student governance and provide insights for improving student union effectiveness in Nigerian universities

Wastewater generated from restaurants often contains a mixture of organic matter and microbial contaminants that may pose environmental and public health risks. This research focuses on the detection and isolation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from wastewater collected from selected restaurants within the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. For this study, wastewater samples were obtained from three restaurants: Helena’s Kitchen, Home and Away, and Buka— during peak operation hours. The samples were collected aseptically and analysed using standard microbiological methods. The pour plate technique was employed for total heterotrophic bacterial counts, while selective media such as Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar were used for the isolation of E. coli. Biochemical tests including indole, methyl red, citrate, urease, and triple sugar iron (TSI) were used to confirm the isolates. The results showed high microbial loads across all samples, with E. coli being consistently present, indicating faecal contamination of the wastewater. The identification of other bacterial species suggest contamination from multiple sources such as food residues, human handling, and the environment. The findings reveal poor wastewater management and hygiene practices in the studied restaurants. In conclusion, the consistent presence of E. coli in restaurant wastewater signifies potential health and environmental hazards within the University of Benin. It is therefore recommended that wastewater from restaurants be regularly monitored, and that adequate sanitation infrastructure and treatment systems be put in place to prevent contamination and safeguard public health.

This study examined the factors contributing to academic stress among first-year students in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. The study focused on four major stress indicators which include academic workload, course demands, challenges in adaptation, and pressure to achieve high academic performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from 140 randomly selected first-year students using a structured questionnaire with verified reliability. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was employed to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that academic workload had a significant positive relationship with academic stress (r = 0.319, p < 0.01), indicating that heavy coursework, numerous assignments, and difficulty keeping up with academic tasks contribute to students’ stress. Course demands also showed a significant positive relationship with academic stress (r = 0.366, p < 0.01), suggesting that high expectations, complex course content, and frequent heighten students’ anxiety. Adaptation challenges were found to significantly increase stress levels (r = 0.482, p < 0.01), especially in relation to adjusting to new learning styles, large classes, and academic independence. The strongest contributor to academic stress was the pressure to achieve high academic performance (r = 0.737, p < 0.01), driven by fear of failure, family expectations, and the desire to maintain a high CGPA. The study concludes that academic stress among first-year students is multidimensional, arising from both academic requirements and personal expectations. It highlights the need for improved academic guidance, supportive learning environments, and strengthened counselling services to help students adjust effectively to university life. The study recommends a review of academic workload, improved teaching strategies, structured mentorship programmes, and increased psychological support to enhance students’ wellbeing and academic success

The study focused on the causes of strikes and its effect on students’ academic performance a case study of Faculty of Education University of Benin. Five research questions were raised to guide the study; 1. What are the central factors that frequently lead to strike actions within Nigerian universities? How do strike actions influence students' comprehension, retention, and engagement during their academic pursuits? What is the correlation between the specific elements triggering strikes and the subsequent underperformance of students in examinations and assessments? To what extent do institutional policies and administrative decisions contribute to either amplifying or alleviating the effects of strike actions on students' academic performance? In what ways can the educational system better manage strike actions to minimize disruptions and foster an environment conducive to sustained students’ learning? Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population of this study consists of all male and female students of History Education, University of Benin, Benin City. The sample of this study comprises of one hundred and fifty (150) History students of the Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. The major findings of the study revealed that the correlation between the specific elements triggering strikes and the subsequent underperformance of students in examinations and assessments is diverse and high. The results of the analysis conducted, revealed that the extent that institutional policies and administrative decisions contribute to either amplifying or alleviating the effects of strike actions on students' academic performance is diverse and high. The results of the analysis conducted revealed that the ways that the educational system can better manage strike actions to minimize disruptions and foster an environment conducive to sustained student learning are diverse and high It was recommended that Government should address root causes of strikes, Government should enhance student support services

The study dealt on the knowledge and preventive practices of malaria among students in University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. To achieve the purpose of the study, five research questions were raised and answered. The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The population for this study was made of forty thousand two hundred and eighty-nine (40,289) undergraduates in the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State in the 2024/2025 academic session. The sample size for this study was 297 respondents. This was drawn using the multi stage sampling technique was adopted for the study. Firstly the systematic sampling technique was used to select five (5) faculties from the fifteen (15) faculties. Secondly proportionate sampling was used to select 3% from each selected faculty. Thirdly simple random sampling of balloting with replacement was used to select respondents for the study. The department names were written on a piece of paper, put in a hat, shuffled and then 5 departments were drawn from the hat. The selection process was random. The research instrument is a self-structured questionnaire. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education. The Cronbanch Alpha method was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. The questionnaire was administered to a group of 20 respondents which were not part of the study. A Cronbach coefficient of .701 was obtained. This shows that the instrument is reliable. For data analysis, frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to calculate the research findings. Findings from the study revealed that there is high level of knowledge among university of Benin students regarding malaria. The study concluded that the preventive practices adopted by University of Benin students to combat malaria include sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and trousers to reduce mosquito exposure, clearing bushes and stagnant water around their residences or hostels to prevent mosquito breeding, and participating in health campaigns or sensitization programmes on malaria prevention. The study recommended among others that the University of Benin management should intensify health education campaigns on malaria prevention through seminars, posters, and social media platforms to sustain and further improve students’ knowledge and awareness.