BENIN CITY

Background: School health services are essential for promoting pupils’ health, reducing preventable diseases, and supporting effective learning outcomes. However, their effectiveness is dependent on teachers’ awareness and engagement, as well as the availability of functional infrastructure. In many settings, these components remain weak, contributing to sustained transmission of communicable diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea, and respiratory infections among school children. Objective: This study assessed teachers’ knowledge and attitude, availability of school health facilities, and the burden of communicable diseases among pupils in Egor LGA to guide improvements in school health services. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2025 and May 2026 among 254 teachers and 245 pupils in primary schools in Egor LGA, Benin City, Edo State recruited via a multistage sampling technique. Data collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire was analysed with IBM SPSS 27.0 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of teachers was 39.3 ± 9.4 years, while pupils had a mean age of 10.1 ± 2.0 years. Most teachers were female, 438 (73.0%), married, 460 (76.6%), and possessed a B.Ed/B.Sc degree, 147 (57.9%). Good knowledge of school health services was observed in 92 (54.1%) respondents and was significantly associated with years of teaching experience (p = 0.031) and school type (p < 0.01). Most teachers, 185 (72.8%), demonstrated a positive attitude towards school health services. School health infrastructure and preventive services were limited, with only 98 (38.6%) schools keeping pupils’ health records. Among pupils, 93 (38.0%) reported illness within the preceding three months, with malaria being the most common condition, 38 (40.9%). Most pupils had good hygiene indicators and normal nutritional status. Primary caregiver type significantly predicted child ill health (p = 0.001). Major barriers to implementation included shortage of trained personnel, 110 (44.0%), lack of health education programmes, 131 (52.6%), and low parental awareness of school health services. Conclusion: Most respondents had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards school health services. However, school health facilities were inadequate and communicable diseases were common among pupils, especially in public schools. Strengthening teacher training, improving infrastructure, and ensuring adequate funding and supervision are needed to improve implementation and reduce disease burden.

This study examines the influence of exposure to online sexual content on the sexual behaviour of youths in Ugbowo, Benin City. With the increasing accessibility of the internet and digital media, young people are frequently exposed to sexually explicit materials, which may shape their attitudes, perceptions, and practices regarding sexuality. The study adopts a descriptive survey design to assess the level of exposure among youths and its relationship with their sexual behaviour. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to selected respondents in the study area. Findings are expected to reveal the extent to which online sexual content contributes to early sexual initiation, risky sexual practices, and changes in sexual attitudes among youths. The study further explores moderating factors such as peer influence, parental guidance, and media literacy. The results aim to provide insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on the need for effective sexual education and digital media regulation to promote healthy sexual development among youths.

Urban development projects rely heavily on accurate and detailed mapping to ensure efficient planning and management of resources. This study focuses on producing a comprehensive digitized map of Iyekogba Housing Estate, situated in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim of this project is to create a detailed map that encompasses all essential features, landmarks, and amenities within the estate. Achieving this aim involves the use of advanced mapping techniques to generate precise spatial data that can support informed decision-making in urban planning and development initiatives. The methodology employed in this project involves the use of Oscar Tersus GNSS equipment to acquire survey data (X, Y, Z coordinates) of the entire estate. Subsequently, the collected data is processed using various software applications, including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and Microsoft Excel. These software tools enable the integration, analysis, and visualization of the survey data, leading to the creation of a detailed map that accurately represents the spatial characteristics of Iyekogba Housing Estate. The results of the project are presented in accordance with the specified objectives. Firstly, the detailed map reveals the well-organized layout of individual plots (buildings) within the estate, indicating a planned development approach. Also a perimeter plan was created using AutoCAD to accurately define the boundary of Iyekogba Housing Estate. According to the perimeter plan analysis, the estate occupies an area of 510,538.983 square meters with a perimeter of 3,083.53 meters. Furthermore, a contour map was generated using ArcGIS to visualize the topographical characteristics of the study area. The contour map illustrates the elevation variations across the estate. In conclusion, this project successfully achieves its aim of producing a detailed map.

This research critically examines five contemporary sculptural artworks located on Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, focusing on their form, expression, and communicative potential. The study addresses the skepticism surrounding the ability of sculptural pieces to convey universal, non-verbal communication, independent of linguistic or idiomatic interpretations. This skepticism raises questions about the accessibility of the sculptural language to diverse audiences and its effectiveness in transcending cultural and contextual barriers. The research aims to explore how these sculptures communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives through their forms and expressions. By analyzing the selected artworks, the study seeks to uncover the extent to which they fulfill their communicative roles and resonate with both informed and lay audiences. Using a qualitative methodology, the research involves on-site observations, photographic documentation, and critical analysis of the sculptures’ aesthetic, thematic, and symbolic dimensions. Interviews with the artists and viewers provide further insights into the intent behind the artworks and their perceived impact. The findings reveal that while sculptural artworks on Ekehuan Campus exhibit remarkable creativity and thematic depth, their ability to communicate universally varies. Factors such as cultural symbolism, abstraction levels, and viewer familiarity significantly influence interpretation. The study concludes that effective non-verbal communication in sculpture requires a careful balance between universal themes and contextual nuances. This research contributes to art history and criticism by highlighting the dynamic interplay between form, expression, and audience perception in sculptural art, advocating for a more inclusive approach to public art creation and interpretation.

This study explores the influence of social media on the sexual behavior of university students, focusing on the unique context of the University of Benin. The proliferation of social media platforms has raised concerns about its potential impact on students' sexual behavior. Existing literature suggests that social media can expose individuals to sexual content, facilitate peer influence, and influence risky sexual behaviors. However, it also serves as a platform for sexual health education and discourse. The research employed a survey design, with data collected from 300 randomly selected undergraduate students across multiple faculties. The study found that social media does indeed exert a significant influence on students' sexual behavior, shaping their attitudes and perceptions of romantic relationships. It was observed that social media content can create pressure for conformity to certain behaviors and norms. Additionally, the study revealed that social media plays a complex role in shaping students' perceptions of risky sexual behaviors. While exposure to content can cultivate an appreciation for excitement and risk, students approach these portrayals with a degree of critical discernment. In terms of sexual health education, the research found that students do not primarily rely on social media for accurate information. However, they recognize its role in destigmatizing discussions about sexual health topics. In conclusion, this study highlights the multifaceted impact of social media on the sexual behavior, perceptions, and health education of university students. It underscores the need for targeted sexual health education campaigns, media literacy programs, safe online spaces for discussions, and stricter content regulation on social media platforms. Further research is recommended to explore the nuances of this relationship in greater dept.

The study seeks to examine the multi-locational trail of fifteen genotype of
shrunken-2 super sweet maize in benin city. The experiment was conducted at experimental farm with the premises of university of benin teaching hospital. Benin city, nigeria fifteen super sweet corn (maize) genetype “UISSH 1, UISSH 2, UISSH 3. UISSH4, UISSH 5, UISSH 6, UISSH 7, UISSH 8, UISSH 9, UISSH 10, UISSH 11, UISSH 12, UISSH 13, UISSH 14 and UISSH 15 varieties were evaluated in this experiment. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three
replications. The data collected was analyzed using Genstat version 12.
Characters measured included Seedling emergence all 11 days, days to 50%
tasseling, day to 50% silking, days to 50% pollen shedding. Ear height, plant
height, number of, days to maturity, Number of cob, cob weight, husk cover, ear
aspect and fresh ear yield. The effects of genotype (G) were found to be highly
significant (p<0:01) days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% pollen shedding, Ear
geight. The result of experiments showed that there was significant difference
due to genotype effect in plant height, days to 50% tasselilng, days to 50% pollen
shedding, ear height, plant height and days to maturity. Genotype also affects
days to Cob number, cob weight and fresh ear yield. The genotypes, UISSH3
was identified as one of the most promising for production Benin city although
this variety can be improved for early emergence and better

This study investigated the impact of digital transformation on business performance among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research focused on four dimensions of digital transformation: operational transformation, customer experience transformation, organisational culture and workforce transformation, and product and service innovation. A structured questionnaire was administered to 290 MSMEs, of which 267 valid responses were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 22. The findings revealed that operational transformation and customer experience transformation had significant positive effects on business performance, indicating that MSMEs that digitise internal processes and customer engagement platforms experience enhanced productivity and competitiveness. Conversely, organisational culture and workforce transformation, as well as product and service innovation, showed no statistically significant impact on business performance. Based on these findings, the study recommends that MSMEs in Benin City increase investment in workforce digital upskilling, cultivate innovation-friendly organisational cultures, and strategically prioritise digital innovation in product and service delivery. The research contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on how various aspects of digital transformation influence MSME performance in an emerging market context.

Dipterans are excellent indicators of water quality; hence, they are routinely used as bioindicators during monitoring of aquatic ecosystems. The study was therefore, executed to investigate the physico-chemical water quality and dipteran aquatic insect larvae community. Both water and benthic samples were collected between August 2021 and January 2022 at four designated sampling stations along the Okhuahie River at Ikpe in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, using standard procedures. A total of 22 physiochemical parameters were determined and measured. Among the physical and chemical parameters, Flow rate, Dissolved oxygen, and Phosphate showed highly significant differences (P<0.001) across the stations. A total of 3 taxa comprising 857 species were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 3 consisting of 146 individuals and the lowest in station 2 consisting of 77 individuals. The dominant taxon is Chironomid (98%), Culex (1.2%) and Tanyderidae (0.3%). Culex consisted of just 1 species and 11 individuals, Tanyderidae of 1 species and 3 individuals, whereas Chironomid comprised 5 species and 843 individuals. The diversity indices showed that station 3 was more diverse followed by station 4, while dipteran species in station 2 was least diverse. Culicidae and Tanyderidae showed positive critical correlation to sulphate and turbidity. The overall abundance showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) for all the four station. This study proved that Okhuaihe River is unperturbed and the Dipteran encountered are characteristics of a tropical freshwater habitat.

In the agricultural economy of Edo State, Nigeria, women play a pivotal yet often under-documented role in the livestock sector. This study investigates the participation of women in pig and pork marketing in Benin City, exploring their impact on local food security and the urban economy. Methodology & Scope Using a combination of structured surveys and field observations across major meat hubs such as Santana, Oliha, and New Benin markets, the research analyzes the demographics, scale of operations, and profitability of female-led pork enterprises. Key Findings * Value Chain Positioning: While men dominate the production (far ing) and slaughtering stages, women hold a near-monopoly on retail marketing, processing (grilling/frying), and the distribution of pork products.

This study examined the prevalence of cyber bullying and mental health among students in university of Benin. A total of 140 respondents participated in the study, providing insights into their perception on cyber bullying and mental health, and the relationship between the two. This study employed a descriptive survey research design and the data for this study was collected by using the questionnaires. The findings indicate that The mental health impact of cyberbullying was also significant, with anxiety being the most common psychological consequence, followed by depression and stress. Many students also reported low self-esteem and a sense of social isolation. These findings underscore the severe consequences of cyberbullying, affecting students’ mental well-being and overall aca demic performance. The study concluded that The low awareness of available support systems, along with their perceived ineffectiveness, highlights a gap in addressing the needs of students who are victims of cyberbullying.