Edo State

This study examined the influence of practical Agricultural science activities on academic performance of public secondary school students of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government of Edo State. Five research questions guided this study, three questions were answered and two questions were hypothesized, the population of this study consist of 250 senior public secondary school students, the samples of this study was 20% of the total population which have a sample of 50students, pearson(r) was used to determine the level of reliability ,the instrument for data collection was questionnaire validated by the supervisor and other lecturers in the institute of Education, the reliability of the instrument was tested at 0.05 alpha level of significance using test retest method and a correlation coefficient of 0.90 was obtained. The data collected was inputted into the computer and analyzed using SPSS: mean and standard deviation. The study found out that practical agricultural science activities has influence on academic performance on public secondary school students, based on the findings, it was recommended that schools should design balanced timetable that allocate adequate time for both practical agricultural activities and academic subjects to prevent interference with student’s study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of occupational disability worldwide, particularly among manual laborers such as bricklayers who are frequently exposed to physical stressors like lifting, bending, and awkward postures. Despite its impact on productivity and health, there is limited local data on LBP among bricklayers in Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 222 active bricklayers in Egor LGA using a structured, validated questionnaire adapted from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Descriptive statistics summarized prevalence data, while Chi-square tests and logistic regression were applied to determine associations between LBP and occupational/personal factors at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: Findings revealed that the 12-month prevalence of LBP among bricklayers was high. Significant occupational factors associated with LBP included prolonged bending, lifting heavy materials, poor posture, and long working hours. Personal factors such as age, smoking, and elevated body mass index (BMI) also contributed significantly. The majority of affected workers reported recurrent pain episodes that interfered with daily work performance and overall well-being. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among bricklayers in Egor LGA is substantial and largely attributable to preventable ergonomic and behavioral factors. Strengthening ergonomic education, enforcing rest breaks, and promoting the use of mechanical aids can reduce the burden of LBP and enhance worker productivity.

Food safety remains a critical public health concern globally, with dairy products repeatedly implicated in food-borne illness outbreaks. This study aimed to detect enteric pathogens in dairy products sold in Benin City, Edo State. Dairy product samples comprising of branded (Hollandia, Nana, Cedaa, and Super Yogo) and locally processed (Nono milk, Kindoromo, Wara, and Maishanu) products were purchased for this study. Enumeration and isolation of bacteria was done using serial dilution and pour plate techniques on selective agar. Bacterial isolates were identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The pH and total titratable acidity of samples were determined using a pH meter and acid/base titration method respectively, while antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The total heterotrophic bacteria count of the samples ranged from 4.8±0.26 to 8.6±0.26 ×10⁸ CFU/ml, while colony counts on MacConkey agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar, and Eosin methylene blue agar ranged from 0.80±0.485 to 6.67±1.53 ×10⁷ CFU/ml; 1.13±0.31 to 6.87±0.61 ×10⁴ CFU/ml and 5.07±0.64 to 7.0±0.40 ×10³ CFU/ml respectively. Six bacterial isolates were identified in this study, which include: Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli 2 , Salmonella sp.1 , Salmonella sp.2 , Enterobacter aerogenes and Serratia marcescens with Escherichia coli1 , Escherichia coli2 , Salmonella sp 1 and Salmonella sp 2. having the highest frequency of occurrence of 33.33% each. The pH values of dairy samples ranged from 3.82±0.01 to 6.96±0.03, while total titratable acidity ranged from 0.17±0.02 to 1.86±0.02 mg/l. Most isolates were resistant to antibiotics used, with resistance indices ranging from 0.1 to 0.8, with Enterobacter aerogenes and Salmonella sp.2 recording the highest resistance index of 0.8, indicating multidrug resistance pattern. This study revealed that dairy products (especially in locally processed dairy products) sold in Benin City showed the enteric bacteria which may possibly be pathogenic with high multidrug resistance profiles, underscoring the need for improved hygiene practices, enforcement of pasteurization standards, and stringent microbiological monitoring in the dairy value chain.

The study focused on the characteristics and effects of pluvial flooding on soil quality under oil palm plantation in Ovia North East, Edo State in order to avert soil degradation, loss of nutrents and fertility. Soil samples were collected from two sites within the same area which was then labeled as experiment A (Flooded Soils) and experiment B (Non flooded soils/control) and at depths of 0 – 15 , 15 – 30 and 30 – 45 cm respectively. The soil samples collected were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The treatments were non-replicated and the data was analyzed using factorial arrangement in randomized complete block (RCB) design. The result showed that sand and clay particle distribution had the highest value in the non-flooded soils than the flooded soils, silt was higher in the flooded soil. It was only Bulk density (BD) that indicated significant difference (P>0.05).water holding capacity (WHC) and Hydraulic conductivity (K-Sat) value was higher in the flooded soils, there was no significant difference (P>0.05). Porosity value was higher in the non-flooded soils, there was significant difference (P>0.05. The pH and Organic carbon (O.C) value of the flooded soils was higher than the non-flooded soils. Total Nitrogen (T.N) was higher in the non-flooded soils; Its LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Available phosphorus, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were higher in the flooded soil except Potassium; LSD was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. The LSD of exchangeable acidity (E.A), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC) and base percentage was not significant at 0.05 level of probability. Fe, Mn and Zn were higher in the flooded soil, but significant difference (P>0.05) except Zn which is not significant at 0.05 level of probability. It was only Cu was high in the non-flooded soil and LSD indicates no significant difference at P>0.05. From the mean values gotten for SEF and SFI, it was discovered that flooded and non-flooded soil are both fertile and are of good quality. It can be concluded that moderate flooding actually helps to improve the quality of the soil.

This study examined the knowledge, self-care practices, and glycemic control among diabetic patients in a tertiary institution in Benin City. Using semi-structured questionnaires, data was gathered from 230 respondents. Findings revealed that the majority (81.7%) of the respondents had type 2 diabetes, with 73% living with diabetes for 0-5 years. Knowledge of diabetes varied, with 53% exhibiting fair knowledge and only 18.3% demonstrating good knowledge levels. Self-care practices were generally poor, with only 16.5% adhering to a healthy meal plan and regular physical activity. Factors such as family and environmental support significantly impacted self-care. Furthermore, 87% of participants exhibited poor glycemic control, with significant associations found between self-care practices and glycemic control (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that married individuals and those aged 41-50 had higher odds of good knowledge and glycemic control. In conclusion, this study highlights the critical need for improved diabetes education and support structures within the population, as inadequate knowledge and self-care practices were prevalent among respondents. Interventions targeting family and community support, along with increased accessibility to healthcare resources, are essential to enhance self-care practices and glycemic outcomes in diabetes management.

This study examined analysis of the level of parents involvement on students’ academics in public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State. In order to achieve the objectives of the study, four research questions were raised . The population of this study consist of the twenty-eight (28) public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State with a total of 5973 (JS2) students. The population of this study consist of the twenty-eight (28) public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State with a total of 5973 (JS2) students. The instrument for this research was a structured questionnaire titled “Level of Parents Involvement Questionnaire (LPIQ), The instrument was validated by the supervisor. Data collected for research question were analyzed using mean and standard deviation The findings from the research questions showed that there is a high level of parents involvement in students academics, examination, course work and co-curricular activities in public secondary schools in Ovia North East Local Government of Edo State. Based on the findings it was recommended that parents who are not involved in their children education should be constantly sensitized while those who are involved should be encouraged to continue doing so.

The study sets to examine the correlation of divorce on the health and lifestyle of children in Ogbe Community. It also investigated ways in which children are affected psychologically and emotionally leading to the breakdown of their physical health and social challenge. Four research questions were raised. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. Existing literature on divorce and health and lifestyle of children are often hinged on the holistic approach of parents, without considering the effects on the well-being of children. Three(3) secondary schools in Ogbe Community were selected based on access to road and the population available in the area. The sample size of this study consisted 150 secondary school students selected through stratified proportionate sampling technique. The research instrument that was used to elicit opinions and facts from the secondary school students was structured questionnaire. It was however subjected to face validity by the researcher’s supervisor. Findings from the study indicate that children of divorced parents are more likely to experience negative health and lifestyle outcomes, including psychological distress, emotional instability, and social difficulties.

Youth participation in politics has become an important issue in democratic governance, especially in developing societies like Edo State. This study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with youth participation in the politics of Edo State. The study was motivated by the increasing role of young people in political activities such as voting, campaigning, political advocacy, and civic engagement, alongside the persistent barriers limiting their full involvement in governance and decision-making processes. The objectives of the study were to identify the level of youth participation in politics in Edo State, examine the factors affecting their participation, and explore the opportunities available for greater political inclusion of youths. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design and relied on both primary and secondary sources of data. Findings revealed that although youths in Edo State actively participate in electoral campaigns, social media mobilization, and political rallies, their involvement in leadership and policy-making positions remains limited. Major challenges identified include unemployment, poverty, political violence, godfatherism, lack of political education, inadequate funding, and distrust in political institutions. Despite these obstacles, the study also found significant opportunities for youth political participation through digital media platforms, civic education programs, the “Not Too Young to Run” policy, youth empowerment initiatives, and increasing political awareness among young people. ([CDD Fact Check][1])
The study concluded that youths possess the energy, creativity, and population strength needed to contribute meaningfully to democratic development in Edo State if given equal opportunities and support. It therefore recommended that government, political parties, and civil society organizations should create enabling environments that encourage youth inclusion in governance, strengthen political education, reduce electoral violence, and provide economic empowerment programs for young people. This will enhance democratic participation, political stability, and sustainable development in Edo State and Nigeria at large.

This study examined the impact of ethical finance on the growth of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Edo State, Nigeria focusing on key ethical finance dimensions such as transparency in loan terms, non-interest payment, fair interest rates, and non-discriminatory access to finance. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and collected primary data from 385 SME owners in Benin City, Edo State. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression techniques. The findings revealed that transparency in loan terms, non-interest payment, fair interest rates, and non-discriminatory access to finance each have a significant positive effect on SME growth. The results further indicated that SMEs that engage with financial institutions operating under ethical principles experience
greater access to funding, improved business performance, and sustainable expansion. The study concludes that ethical finance serves as a vital catalyst for inclusive economic development by fostering trust, fairness, and social responsibility in financial practices. It recommends that financial institutions adopt transparent lending policies, ensure fair pricing of credit, and eliminate discriminatory barriers to enhance SME growth and national economic progress.

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the career choices among senior secondary school students in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state. Five research questions were raised to guide the research. A descriptive survey research design which involves collection of data through the use of questionnaire was adopted to solicit
information from respondents. The population this study consists of the five thousand seven hundred and eighty-eight (5788) in the twelve (12) public senior secondary schools. The sample size of the study is one hundred and twenty (120) students which makes up 2.1% of the population size. A simple random sampling technique was used to used to select sample for study. Simple percentage and frequency count was used to analyse the responses of the respondents. The findings of the research revealed that parental influence has a significant impact on the career choices of students. A student's choice of career can be affected by the peer group of such a student. Gender has no significant relationship with the choice of career of students. The age of the students have no impact on the career choice of senior secondary school students. There is a significant relationship between the students career choice and academic performance. It was recommended that parents should enlighten their children on different
career choice at a tender age. Guidance and counseling services should be made available in secondary schools to guide the students. Finally, students should ensure they have proper information about their intended career choice and such choice should be born out of passion and ambition