IMPACT

This research explores the dynamic interplay between online newspaper reporting and public perception of crime and justice issues, with a particular focus on the Nigerian media landscape. As online newspapers have gained prominence in the information landscape, understanding their influence on how the public views matters related to crime and justice becomes increasingly vital. The study delved into the reporting practices of two major Nigerian online newspapers, Punch and Vanguard, aimed at deciphering how their coverage of crime and justice impacts public perception. It employed content analysis as the research method, systematically collecting and analyzing data from a total of 178 editions of both newspapers published between January 1, 2023, and March 31, 2023.The findings of this study offer noteworthy insights. Media organizations, it appears, give considerable coverage to crime and justice issues, but often lack prominence in their reporting. Their interpretative function falls short, as most articles tend to present straight news. Furthermore, the frequency of reporting on these critical topics is not as high as might be expected. The media's standpoint leans more towards the negative side concerning crime and justice matters, with a particular focus on criticism and public reactions to policies.In light of these findings, several recommendations emerge. Media organizations are urged to maintain a balanced emotional tone in their news reporting. Increased frequency in reporting on policy-related issues, especially in their early stages, is advised to enhance public understanding. The media should prioritize informative reporting that enlightens the public rather than emphasizing stories of conflict and policy challenges. Finally, a call is made for
the media to uphold neutrality, truth, and accuracy in their reporting to present a fair representation of government policies. This research underscores the pivotal role of online newspapers in shaping public perceptions of crime and justice in Nigeria. It contributes to the fields of media studies and journalism, offering a comprehensive examination of how these newspapers influence public opinion and policy-making in this crucial domain.

The study was undertaken to examine the impact of Human capital development on economic growth in Nigeria from 1981 to 2021.The main objective of the study is to examine the impact of human capital development has on the growth dynamics of the Nigerian economy. The study adopted the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL), unit root and co-integration using EVIEWS 9 toanalyse among the variables using time series data on government expenditure on education (GEE), government expenditure onhealth (GEH), population growth (POPGR) and government expenditure on social community services (GESCS) as proxies for human capital development, and gross domestic product (GDP) as proxy for economic growth. The results reveal that increases inhuman capital increases economic growth in Nigeria. and health sectors of the economy. The study recommend that the government and policy makers should increase its total expenditure on education, ensure sufficient budgetary allocation on health expenditure, and ensure a standard is set across all educational institutions in the country so that proper human capital required for any individual to become productive and economic growth is enhanced.

Inter-group relations is “whenever individuals belonging to one group, interact collectively or individually, with another group or its members in terms of their group and identification,”.1 Inter-group relations imply therefore, the existence of mutually exclusive groups that are in constant interaction with one another. The study of Inter- group relations is significant because it reveals the fact that the communities in Nigeria and Africa in general were not disunited nor isolated from each other; they related with each other before colonial conquest.2 Works on Inter-group relations debunks the euro- centric view that Africans were uncivilized and barbaric, and that no meaningful interaction took place within the region prior to the arrival of Europeans.3 However, there exist several literature on this subject. These available materials examine the various patterns and nature of interactions which existed in Africa among Nigerian communities in particular. In Nigeria, the various communities cooperated and had meaningful intercourse before the advent of Europeans colonialism. The interactions among the communities were dynamic in nature. It was a robust and diversified relations. There were socio-cultural, political and economic relations.4

This study investigated the influence of grinding fineness on heavy metal leaching across seven common food matrices-melon, tomatoes, pepper, white and yellow corn, beans, groundnut, and crayfish-using both household and industrial tools. Samples were processed at two fineness levels (coarse and smooth), and analyzed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb). Results showed that smooth grinding consistently produced higher Fe and Zn concentrations than coarse grinding, indicating that finer particle exposure and increased friction enhance metal transfer from processing tools. Iron levels were highest in beans (10.97 mg/kg), followed by crayfish (6.47 mg/kg) and white corn (4.64 mg/kg), while zinc peaked in crayfish (1.15 mg/kg) and groundnut (0.82 mg/kg). Manganese were moderate, with the highest levels in pepper (0.71 mg/kg) and melon (0.58 mg/kg). Nickel appeared only in isolated smooth-ground samples, while cadmium and lead were largely undetected, except for trace levels in melon (0.015 mg/kg) and tomatoes (0.00008 mg/kg). Blenders, hand crank grinders, and aged milling machines contributed most to metal leaching, whereas traditional tools such as mortars and grinding stones showed comparatively lower contamination. Although detected metal levels generally fell within international food safety limits, cumulative exposure may pose long-term health risks. The study concludes that grinding fineness, tool type, and age are key factors influencing heavy metal migration during food processing. Routine equipment maintenance, use of food-grade materials, and greater public awareness are recommended to minimize contamination and ensure safer household and industrial food processing practices.

This study examined the impact of e-governance on service delivery in the Nigerian public sector: A case study of Edo State Civil Service. The study adopted the survey design using questionnaire as instrument of data collection. The data was analyzed using simple percentage tables. The results revealed that ICT adoption has positively influenced public service delivery in Edo State by promoting greater transparency, enhancing accountability, and reducing opportunities for corruption. The findings also reveal a range of systemic and human-related challenges that hinder the full realization of e-governance benefits. These challenges corroborate previous studies and highlight that while technology provides a strong foundation for reform, its effectiveness depends largely on the institutional environment in which it is deployed. There must also be adequate investment in infrastructure, human capacity, cybersecurity, and change management to support a successful digital transformation. The study recommended that the government of Edo State should prioritize increased funding for e-governance initiatives. Adequate financial investment is necessary to procure modern ICT tools, upgrade existing digital infrastructure, and maintain systems for ef icient public service delivery. Reliable internet connectivity is fundamental to the success of e-governance platforms. The government should collaborate with internet service providers to extend high-speed, stable internet access to all government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), including those in rural areas. Training and re-training of civil servants should be institutionalized. Tailored workshops, certifications, and continuous professional development programs are essential to equip public of icicles with the technical skills required for operating and managing e-governance systems effectively.

This study investigated the impact of the language of feminism on the teaching and learning of English Language in senior secondary schools in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The study was prompted by concerns about gender bias in English Language textbooks, classroom discourse, and teaching practices, despite growing attention to gender equality in education. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised senior secondary school students and English Language teachers in selected public secondary schools within Oredo Local Government Area. Using a stratified random sampling technique, five (5) public secondary schools were selected for the study, namely Ihogbe College (19 students), Oba Akenzua Secondary School (10 students), Emotan College (10 students), Edokpolor Grammar School (2 students), and Idia College (9 students). A total of sixty (60) respondents participated in the study, consisting of fifty (50) senior secondary school students and ten (10) English Language teachers. Data were collected using structured questionnaires designed on a four-point Likert scale. The instruments were validated by experts and their reliability was established using the test–retest method. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that English Language textbooks still contain moderate gender bias, with male characters more frequently portrayed in active and leadership roles, while female characters are often depicted in passive or domestic roles. However, the study found that English Language teachers make conscious efforts to employ gender- sensitive teaching strategies and inclusive language during classroom instruction. The results further showed that the integration of feminist perspectives enhances classroom participation, promotes fairness, and improves students’ understanding of gender equality and critical awareness of language use. The study concluded that the language of feminism has a positive impact on the teaching and learning of English Language in senior secondary schools. It therefore recommended the revision of English Language textbooks and continuous training of teachers on gender-sensitive pedagogy to promote inclusive and equitable English Language education. i

This mixed-methods research investigates the impact of User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) design on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of university students. Driven by the observation that platform engagement models often prioritize retention over psychological safety, the study combined a theoretical analysis of Cognitive Load and Emotional Design theories with an empirical survey of 120 students from the University of Benin ($N=120$). Quantitative analysis revealed that the primary psychological burden on students is cognitive and social overload (Content Overwhelm $\mu=4.06$; Overwhelmed by Features $\mu=4.10$; Pressure to be Perfect $\mu=3.94$), rather than simple notification distraction ($\mu=2.89$). Despite students confirming support features are easy to find ($\mu=4.24$), their high stress levels indicated a significant mismatch between generic solutions and their specific needs. Qualitative thematic analysis reinforced these findings, identifying an explicit user demand for features that offer control over content feeds, limiting of compulsive scrolling, and pausing of "rowdy" group chats. The study concludes that current UI/UX practices impose an unnecessary emotional strain on students. Based on this validated evidence, the research proposes the "Emotionally-Aware Focus Interface" (Student Mode) framework, which features Mindful Content Curation and a Calm UI Override. These recommendations aim to facilitate a necessary transition from engagement-maximizing design to a practice prioritizing user focus, cognitive clarity, and emotional balance.

Climate change poses significant threats to the built environment through rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. This study investigated the impact of climate change on the durability of building materials commonly used in Nigeria. A comprehensive analysis of 60 years of meteorological data (1965-2024) from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) was conducted across Nigeria's three climatic zones. The data was divided into two 30-year periods Historical Period 1 (HP1: 1965-1994) and Historical Period 2 (HP2: 1995-2024) to identify climatic trends and their implications for concrete, steel, timber, and masonry materials. The methodology employed secondary data collection and literature review, analyzing four key climatic parameters: mean annual temperature, total annual rainfall, mean annual sunshine hours, and mean annual wind speed. Comparative analysis revealed significant environmental shifts, with Southern Nigeria experiencing the most severe changes including temperature increases of +1.0°C, rainfall increases of +298mm, and reductions in both sunshine hours (-0.6 hr/day) and wind speed (-0.6 m/s).Results demonstrated that all building materials face substantially accelerated degradation under current conditions. Concrete experiences enhanced carbonation and chloride penetration with 2030% service life reductions. Steel reinforcement shows 30-40% service life reduction in coastal environments due to intensified corrosion. Timber faces the highest vulnerability with potential 40-50% service life reductions from enhanced fungal decay and increased termite activity. Porous masonry units experience severe efflorescence and progressive strength loss, resulting in 20-40% service life reductions. The study revealed synergistic effects where combined climatic changes produce deterioration exceeding individual impacts, with Southern Nigeria facing the most aggressive conditions. The study concludes that traditional construction practices based on historical climate data are inadequate for current conditions. Recommendations include immediate revision of building codes and material specifications, adoption of climate-resilient materials and enhanced protective systems, implementation of climate-responsive design approaches, and intensified maintenance programs for existing structures. These findings provide critical insights for stakeholders to enhance building resilience and ensure the sustainability and safety of Nigeria's built environment.

Mental Health” provides a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal role of school social workers in enhancing student mental health. The study was conducted across various educational settings, employing a random sampling technique to select a representative sample from different schools. The primary data collection tool was a questionnaire, supplemented by a thorough review of relevant literature and documents. Significant findings emerged from the study, highlighting the crucial role of school social workers in fostering mental health support for students. It was found that school social workers significantly impact students’ mental, behavioral, and academic outcomes. The study recommended that school social workers should collaborate with school administrators and community agencies to create a supportive school climate. The study emphasized the importance of ongoing professional development for school social workers, suggesting that regular training and support could enhance their ability to effectively support students. The findings also underscored the need for schools to prioritize mental health
and wellbeing, recognizing that students’ academic success is closely linked to their mental health. In conclusion, the research highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to student mental health, emphasizing that school social workers play a key role in connecting students and their families with a range of services and supports. The research also underscored the importance of collaboration between schools and community agencies, suggesting that such partnerships can enhance the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of mental health supports. Keywords: School Social Workers, Student Mental Health, Supportive School Climate, Mental Health Interventions, Professional Development

In today’s digital marketplace, social media platforms have become dominant spaces where consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. This study investigates the impact of dark patterns on consumer buying behaviour in Benin City, focusing on manipulative design strategies such as urgency cues, perceived scarcity, social proof, hidden costs, and confirm shaming. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) and Social Influence Theory (SIT), the study examines how these deceptive design elements influence consumers’ attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and purchase intentions within social media commerce.A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to active social media users in Benin City. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis with the aid of SPSS software.Findings revealed that urgency cues, social proof, and perceived scarcity significantly influence consumer buying behaviour by creating psychological pressure and fear of missing out (FOMO). In contrast, hidden costs and confirm shaming had weaker effects but negatively impacted trust and post- purchase satisfaction. The study concludes that dark patterns effectively drive impulsive buying but undermine consumer autonomy and long-term loyalty.The research provides practical implications for digital marketers, UX designers, and policymakers, highlighting the need for ethical marketing practices and consumer protection policies in Nigeria’s growing social commerce environment. It also contributes to academic knowledge by integrating behavioural and ethical perspectives into the understanding of online consumer manipulation and decision-making processes.