ASSESSMENT

This study assessed the adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices among real estate developers in Benin City, Nigeria, with a view to promoting sustainable property development. The study sought to examine the profiles of real estate development companies in Benin City, evaluate their extent of ESG adoption, and identify the factors influencing the implementation of ESG principles. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to registered real estate developers operating in Benin City. Out of 43 identified firms, 30 valid responses were obtained and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that most developers were small- to medium-sized firms primarily engaged in residential and commercial developments. The overall level of ESG adoption was moderate, with Governance practices recording the highest adoption index (Mean = 3.14), followed by Social practices (Mean = 2.98) and Environmental practices (Mean = 2.86). Governance highlighted activities such as compliance monitoring, transparency, and property audits were more widely implemented than environmental initiatives such as renewable energy adoption and green roofing systems. The study further identified management leadership and commitment, availability of finance, perceived return on investment, and corporate strategy as the most significant factors influencing ESG adoption. Regression analysis showed that institutional factors exerted the strongest influence on ESG adoption, followed by organizational and market factors, collectively explaining 52.5% of the variation in ESG implementation among developers. The study concludes that while awareness of ESG principles is growing among real estate developers in Benin City, implementation remains largely moderate and compliance driven, with environmental and social dimensions receiving less attention than governance concerns. The study recommends the development of a comprehensive ESG regulatory framework, increased access to green financing, enhanced capacity building, and the institutionalization of ESG reporting standards to improve sustainability performance within Nigeria’s real estate sector. Keywords: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Real Estate Development, Sustainability, Sustainable Property Development, Governance Practices, Benin City, Nigeria.

Dioscorea alata L. and Dioscorea rotundata Poir are the most commonly grown species of yam (Dioscorea spp.), a staple crop in many tropical nations. Due to their scarcity, high price, and included vulnerability to pests and diseases, producing good-quality seed yams continues to be a significant issue. The objective of this study was to compare the growth and yield of seed yam tubers among minitubers derived from vine cuttings and yam minisett of different cultivars of yam. The improved cultivars used for the minitubers experiment included Akuabata, Vayam, Asiedu, Favourite and Super. The yam minisett trial included Abakiliki 1, Abakiliki 2, Benin Local, Igiowa 1 and Igiowa 2. Both experiments were separately laid out as Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates. Vine cuttings were also obtained from the minitubers experiment to test the effect of different potting media (sawdust, rice hull, grass and corn cob) on growth and yield of minitubers under semi-autotrophic hydroponics. The vine cutting experiment was laid out as a completely randomized design in three replicates. Results indicated that seed yam tuber yield per stand varied from 267g in Super to 467g in Asiedu, while the yam minisett trial had 200g in Abakiliki1 and 717g Igiowa1. The multiplication ratio varied from 1:46 – 1:75 among the cultivars used in minitubers experiment, while yam minisett trial had 1:1.3 – 1:3.8. In the vine cutting experiment sawdust had 68.0 % survival and this was followed by rice hull, grass and corn cob. The used of minitubers derived from vine cuttings is viable option for production of quality seed yam of Dioscorea spp. Locally sourced potting media such as sawdust, rice hull and grass could be used in humidity chambers for production minitubers

Radiography among the pediatrics plays a crucial role in the diagnosis of childhood illnesses, but children are more sensitive to the effects of ionizing radiation, and this aspect makes it necessary that dose should be optimized to reduce the long-term risks. This work determined the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of radiographers towards the methods of reducing the dose of radiation in pediatric radiography in Benin Metropolis. Sixty radiographers participated in a descriptive cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire and data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Responses were summarized by descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used to determine the relationships with each other at a significance level of 0.05. Awareness about ALARA principle was 100 per cent with only 38.3 per cent being aware about Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs). Although the majority of respondents (81.7) cited that they reduced the exposure factors and 80% utilized Automatic Exposure Control (AEC), very few (21.7) used the pediatric-specific exposure charts. There were positive attitudes towards radiation safety but this was not implemented due to lack of immobilizing devices (86.7%), poor calibration of collimators (68.3%), and lack of functional AEC systems (60%). The years of experience were also significantly related to using collimation properly (p = 0.001). The study finds that radiographers in Benin Metropolis do not only demonstrate a high level of awareness and positive attitude towards the idea of pediatric dose reduction but also a moderate level of compliance that is attained by infrastructural and procedural barriers. I would recommend strengthening equipment maintenance, applying pediatric imaging guidelines, and improving unremitting professional training as a prevention of safer and more efficient pediatric radiographic practices.

Mental health challenges among secondary school students have become a growing concern globally with Nigeria experiencing a significant rise in mental health issues among adolescents. This study explores the mental health challenges faced by secondary school students in Nigeria, identifying key factors contributing to these issues and examining the coping mechanisms employed by students. The research also investigates the role of schools, families, and communities in addressing mental health challenges and promoting well-being among adolescents. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A survey was administered to 400 secondary school students in Ekosodin, followed by in-depth interviews with 30 students, teachers, and school counselors. The findings reveal that academic pressure, family problems, social relationships and stigma surrounding mental health are major contributors to mental health challenges among secondary school students. Anxiety, depression, and stress were the most commonly reported mental health issues, with female students reporting higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to male students. The study highlights the importance of early identification and intervention as well as the need for comprehensive mental health support systems in schools. The research also emphasizes the role of families and communities in promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma. The findings suggest that schools should prioritize mental health education, provide accessible counseling services and train teachers to identify and support students struggling with mental health issues. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on adolescent mental health in Nigeria, providing insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing mental health outcomes. The research underscores the need for a multi-level approach to addressing mental health challenges involving individual, family, school, and community-level interventions. By promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma and increasing access to support services, Nigeria can take steps towards improving the mental well- being of its adolescent population. The study's findings have implications for policymakers, educators, parents, and mental health professionals, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to address mental health challenges among secondary school students. Recommendations include integrating mental health education into school curricula, increasing funding for school counseling services, and promoting community-based mental health initiatives.

The aim of this project is assess bamboo as an alternative to steel reinforcement in concrete structures which offers similar performance as steel reinforced concrete which can be used in areas where bamboo is abundant. Three samples each of dimension 500×100×100mm of plain, bamboo and steel reinforced concrete beam of seven, fourteen and twenty-one days after curing were subjected to a flexural test to measure their flexural strength. This test was conducted with a four point load flexural machine, with load applied on the beams to determine the ability of the beam to withstand bending forces. The beam samples were weighed before and after curing to obtain their weight gain and water absorption rate. The average flexural strength obtained from the plain, bamboo and steel reinforced beams of a period of seven days, fourteen days and twenty-one days was recorded. The result showed that for a period of seven days, the plain, bamboo and reinforced steel beam had a flexural strength of 9 N/mm², 16.67 N/mm² and 25 N/mm². Fourteen days 15N/mm², 23.33N/mm² and32.33N/mm². Twenty-one days 19N/mm², 29.67N/mm² and38.33N/mm². For water absorption the percentage is consistently higher compared to the plain and steel beam at each time interval. At seven days the water absorption was at 1.55%, and it increases further at fourteen days at 1.79% and twenty-one days 1.62%. based on the acquired results bamboo reinforced concrete can be suitable for structures such as farm sheds, rural housing and low-rise residential building for element such as walls.

Radiographic contrast agents are essential in diagnostic imaging but may cause adverse reactions if not properly managed. This study assessed the knowledge, awareness, and preparedness of radiographers in Benin City regarding contrast media and related adverse reactions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 60 licensed radiographers across public and private health facilities using a validated questionnaire. Results showed that while most radiographers demonstrated good knowledge of contrast media (mean score = 79.8%), awareness of risks (66.5%) and preparedness for managing reactions (69.1%) were below the acceptable 70% benchmark. Training significantly improved preparedness levels (p < 0.05), though awareness did not differ significantly by training status (p > 0.05). The findings reveal that radiographers possess strong theoretical knowledge but moderate readiness for emergency management, underscoring the need for continuous education, refresher courses, and standardized emergency protocols to enhance patient safety.

This study was carried out to evaluate the competitive advantage of why Opay and Palmpay digital applications and advertisement are preferred in comparison with commercial banks in Nigeria's money payment system. The objective of this study were to identify the key factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of Opay and Palmpay in Nigeria's money payment system, to identify key factors that contribute to its competitive advantage and to also compare and contrast the advertising strategies and advantages in relation to commercial bank platforms in the Nigeria money payment market. The Diffusion of Innovation Theory and the Technology Acceptance Theory were utilised as the theoretical framework. To obtain reliable data for the study, a sample size of 240 respondents comprised of students from the Department of Mass Communication and Theatre Arts Department were administered questionnaires to solicit their responses regarding the study. Descriptive statistical tools such as tables, frequency counts, and simple percentages were used to adequately analyze the obtained data. The findings from the study indicated a high rate of satisfaction among respondents with the use of Opay and Palmpay services. The findings further revealed a high level of satisfaction with notable features and services such as points for discounts, charge fees, all-in-one services, easy application interface, and rapid response rate. However, the lack of physical infrastructure to communicate with bank personnel was identified as one of the challenges customers face while using Opay and Palmpay digital applications. The study, therefore, recommends the need for physical infrastructure to cater to customers in need of physical guidance. It also suggests that commercial banks and other financial platforms carrying out financial transactions should review their charge rates, reward programs, application interfaces, and complaint-handling approaches to adequately satisfy bank customers

Land use and land cover changes within tertiary educational institutions significantly impact environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and ecological health. This study examined spatiotemporal variations in land use/land cover (LULC) and vegetation dynamics of the University of Benin, Ekehuan Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, over a 50-year period from 1975 to 2025. Landsat satellite imagery from the years 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, 2015, and 2025 respectively was processed using Google Earth Engine (GEE) and ArcGIS platforms, with classifications categorized into dense vegetation, sparse vegetation, agricultural land, built-up areas, and bare soil. Supervised Maximum Likelihood Classification was employed for LULC analysis, while the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was computed to assess vegetation health. Field surveys documented remaining tree species in the study area. Results revealed catastrophic vegetation decline from 0.841334 km² (97.34%) in 1975 to complete elimination (0%) by 2015-2025. Built-up areas increased dramatically from 0% in 1975 to 0.671581 km² (77.70%) by 2025. Agricultural land fluctuated from 0% to 36.49% (2015) before declining to 16.06% in 2025. Bare soil emerged at 6.24% in 2025, indicating land degradation. NDVI values ranged from - 0.077 to 0.400 across the study period, with maximum values declining from 0.400507 in 2005 to 0.26453 in 2025. Field surveys documented only 16 tree species in 2025, representing severe biodiversity loss compared to historical diversity. These findings revealed complete landscape transformation from a natural ecosystem to an urbanized environment, resulting in total habitat destruction, loss of ecosystem services, hydrological disruption, and biodiversity collapse. It is recommended that campus planning incorporate mandatory green infrastructure, sustainable urban drainage systems, and stringent land-use controls to mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainability.

Background: Community-acquired infections (CAIs) are infections contracted outside healthcare facilities and constitute a significant source of morbidity among university students globally, particularly in environments characterized by overcrowding, shared sanitation facilities, poor ventilation, and inadequate hygiene infrastructure. In Nigeria, university halls of residence are defined by high population density and constrained living conditions, creating environments highly conducive to respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and vector-borne infection transmission. Despite this burden, comprehensive data on the knowledge, attitudes, hygiene practices, prevalence, treatment-seeking behaviour, and environmental determinants of community-acquired infections among hostel-resident undergraduate students in South￾South Nigeria remain scarce. Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and preventive measures of students regarding community-acquired infections, ascertain their attitudes towards infections and preventive measures, determine the prevalence and types of infections experienced, and identify risk factors influencing recurrence among undergraduate students residing in the halls of residence at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate students residing in the official halls of residence and affiliated hostels at the University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed. The minimum sample size of 436 was calculated using the Cochran formula with a design effect of 2.0, based on an estimated infection prevalence of 85% and a precision of 0.05. A xvi total of 487 respondents were enrolled, yielding a 100% response rate. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO KAP Framework (Cronbach’s α = 0.908 and 0.767 for knowledge and attitude respectively), the WHO/UNICEF JMP WASH indicators (α = 0.743 for hygiene practices), and a validated symptom-based infection history checklist for the six-month recall period. Data were entered and analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarised as frequencies and percentages, while inferential analysis was conducted using chi-square tests, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of infection. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 487 undergraduate students participated, with a mean age of 21.16 ± 2.68 years; 295 (60.6%) were female and 462 (94.9%) were Christian. Almost four in five respondents (378; 77.6%) were aware of community-acquired infections. Among aware respondents, more than four-fifths (326; 86.2%) had good knowledge, with a mean composite score of 33.18 out of 40. Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; 95% CI: 0.025–0.407; p = 0.001), 100 Level (OR = 0.203; p = 0.014), 200 Level (OR = 0.244; p = 0.007), and non-medical faculty membership (OR = 0.405; p = 0.023) were significant independent negative predictors of good knowledge. Nearly nineteen in twenty respondents (461; 94.7%) held positive attitudes; Islamic religion was the only significant independent predictor (OR = 0.098; 95% CI: 0.034– 0.286; p < 0.001). About two-thirds (329; 67.6%) had good hygiene practices; Islamic religion (OR = 0.101; p < 0.001), 600 Level seniority (OR = 16.43; p = 0.009), and higher monthly allowance (OR = 1.554; p = 0.035) were significant independent predictors. The overall six-month infection prevalence was very high, with 418 (85.8%) reporting at least one infection. Respiratory tract infections were the most prevalent (87.1% of infected xvii respondents), followed by malaria (56.2%), gastrointestinal infections (48.6%), skin and soft tissue infections (32.5%), urinary tract infections (12.7%), and eye infections (6.9%). Male sex was the strongest independent predictor of lower infection odds (OR = 0.376; 95% CI: 0.207–0.681; p = 0.001), while frequent common area cleaning was the strongest independent environmental predictor (OR = 0.195; 95% CI: 0.057–0.666; p = 0.009). Among infected respondents, 368 (88.0%) sought treatment; purchasing drugs from a pharmacy was the most common action (53.3%). Good hygiene practices was the strongest independent predictor of early treatment-seeking (OR = 3.052; p = 0.009). Critical environmental deficits were documented: 80.1% reported no soap in hostel toilets, 90.1% had no access to hand sanitizer, and 72.5% described room ventilation as poor or very poor. Conclusion: The burden of community-acquired infections among undergraduate students in the University of Benin halls of residence is very high, with respiratory tract infections, malaria, and gastrointestinal infections predominating. Although awareness and positive attitudes toward prevention were near-universal, knowledge deficits among junior and non-medical students and structural deficiencies including absent soap, poor ventilation, and infrequent common area cleaning remained the dominant determinants of infection risk. Consistent with the Health Belief Model, high perceived barriers in the form of structurally deficient hostel infrastructure negated the protective potential of adequate knowledge and positive attitudes. Frequent common area cleaning was the strongest modifiable predictor of freedom from infection. University management, the Estates Department, Student Affairs Directorate, and Health Centre should implement coordinated interventions encompassing urgent hostel infrastructure upgrades, mandatory infection prevention curricula for non-medical faculties, xviii religion-sensitive health communication, and proactive student health outreach to substantially reduce the infection burden in the residential setting.

The proliferation of gas stations, often situated in close proximity to residential and commercial areas, presents a significant public safety hazard, with the potential for catastrophic fires and explosions threatening lives, property, and economic stability. This study, titled “Assessment of Fire Safety Knowledge and Emergency Preparedness among Gas Stations in Egor Local Government Area,” was undertaken to critically evaluate the level of fire safety awareness, the adequacy of firefighting infrastructure, and the robustness of emergency response plans within these high-risk establishments. The research specifically investigated gas station attendants' and managers' knowledge of fire prevention measures, the causes and classes of fire, the availability and functionality of fire safety equipment, and the readiness to execute emergency evacuation procedures. The study was guided by clearly defined research questions that explored the relationship between staff competency, resource availability, and overall emergency preparedness. A comprehensive review of relevant literature was conducted to establish a theoretical foundation, drawing upon established safety models and situating the study within both national and international discourses on industrial safety and disaster risk reduction. A Descriptive survey research design was adopted to collect data from a representative sample of gas stations across Egor Local Government Area. The study population comprised all 35 registered gas stations in the locality, from which a sample size of 35 stations was selected using a stratified random sampling technique to ensure geographical and operational diversity. Within each selected station, a census sampling of all available attendants and managers was conducted, resulting in 20 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire titled “Gas Station Fire Safety and Preparedness Assessment Questionnaire (GSFSPAQ),” which was validated by safety experts and confirmed to be reliable with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.711. Direct observational checklists were also used to assess the physical state of fire safety equipment and signage. Analysis involved both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means) and inferential statistics (Chi-square) to examine the relationships between variables. Findings revealed a moderate level of theoretical knowledge about fire causes but significant practical deficiencies in the use of fire extinguishers and emergency protocols. While most stations possessed basic firefighting equipment like extinguishers, a considerable proportion were either expired, poorly maintained, or inaccessible. Furthermore, emergency preparedness was found to be generally inadequate, with a lack of regularly practiced and clearly communicated evacuation plans. Based on these findings, the study strongly recommends the mandatory, periodic training and certification of all gas station personnel, enforced routine inspection and maintenance of safety equipment by regulatory bodies, and the development and simulation of site-specific emergency response plans to enhance overall community resilience against fire disasters.