ASSESSMENT

This study examined the utilization of laboratory instructional materials in the teaching and learning of Biology across different school types. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 80 randomly selected students using a validated and reliable questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores (with 2.50 as the decision benchmark) were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that essential laboratory tools—including microscopes, specimen jars, laboratory charts, prepared slides, cover slips, and basic reagents—are commonly utilized for biology learning. The study further found significant differences in the use of laboratory instructional materials across schools. Private schools made greater use of laboratory materials due to better funding, availability of resources, and well-trained teachers. Urban schools demonstrated higher access to laboratory equipment, easier replacement of damaged tools, and more frequent hands-on activities compared to rural schools, which often rely on improvised materials. Similarly, big schools utilized laboratory resources more effectively than small schools because of better staffing, resources, and infrastructure. The study concluded that disparities in funding, accessibility, and teacher competence strongly influence the degree of laboratory material utilization in biology learning. It recommended improved funding, provision of additional laboratory tools, continuous teacher training, timely replacement of outdated equipment, and strong partnerships with NGOs and private organizations to ensure equitable access to quality science education.

This study evaluated the genotoxic risk associated with chronic exposure to petrol fumes among petrol station attendants in Benin City using the micronucleus (MN) assay on exfoliated buccal epithelial cells. A cross-sectional design was employed, comparing 25 exposed attendants with 10 unexposed controls. Buccal cell samples were collected with sterile tongue depressors, fixed in Carnoy’s fixative, and stained with May–Grünwald and Giemsa. A total of 3,400 cells were microscopically examined and scored for nuclear abnormalities according to established cytogenetic criteria. Results showed highly significant increases (p < 0.001) in all nuclear anomalies among the exposed group. Mean frequencies of micronucleate (10.76 ± 3.36 vs. 1.3 ± 0.82 per 1000 cells), binucleated (6.28 ± 2.55 vs. 0.5 ± 0.70), karyorrhexis (7.52 ± 2.47 vs. 1.0 ± 1.15), and anucleate (7.60 ± 2.54 vs. 0.7 ± 0.82) cells were markedly elevated in the exposed group, representing 8.3-, 12.6-, 7.5-, and 10.9-fold increases respectively, with p-values ranging from 2.17E-07 to 7.43E-10. These findings provide compelling evidence of substantial cytogenetic damage indicative of chromosomal instability and cytotoxic effects resulting from petrol fume exposure. The study concludes that occupational exposure to petrol fumes poses a significant genotoxic hazard and recommends strict enforcement of safety protocols, use of personal protective equipment, regular biomonitoring, and improved environmental controls at petrol stations to reduce health risks and safeguard workers.

This study assessed DNA damage in commercial drivers exposed to vehicular emissions at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Main Gate, Benin City, using the micronucleus assay of buccal cells. Vehicular emissions are a major source of air pollution containing genotoxic substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, which can induce chromosomal damage. A comparative cross-sectional design was used, involving 25 exposed drivers and 9 non-exposed controls. Buccal epithelial cells were collected using sterile wooden spatulas, fixed in Carnoy’s reagent, and stained with May-Grünwald–Giemsa for microscopic analysis. One hundred cells per participant were scored for nuclear abnormalities including micronuclei (MN), binucleated cells (BN), and nuclear buds (NB). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS v25, with p < 0.05 as the significance threshold. Results showed that the exposed drivers had markedly higher frequencies of nuclear anomalies compared to controls. The mean micronucleus frequency in the exposed group (8.00 ± 0.05 per 100 cells) was about 80 times higher than in the control group (0.10 ± 0.01), while BN and NB frequencies were increased 12-fold and 23-fold respectively. The total nuclear abnormality frequency was 165.00 ± 0.36 in exposed drivers versus 10.20 ± 0.94 in controls. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the biological trend suggests cumulative genotoxic stress from chronic exposure to vehicular pollutants. Routine biomonitoring and stricter air-quality measures are recommended to protect occupationally exposed populations.

Access to clean and safe water is fundamental to sustaining public health and ensuring community well-being. This study assessed the water quality and hygiene practices of households in Ogbelaka, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the microbiological quality of household water, evaluate hygiene practices, and identify householdlevel factors contributing to contamination. A cross-sectional design was employed, combining field sampling and survey methods. Water samples from selected households were analyzed for thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli using standard microbiological procedures. Data on hygiene, sanitation, and water handling practices were collected through structured questionnaires. Results indicated that a significant proportion of water samples showed microbial contamination exceeding WHO permissible limits, highlighting risks of waterborne diseases. Many households relied on untreated or poorly treated water sources such as boreholes and wells, with inadequate storage and handling practices contributing to contamination. Hygiene practices, particularly handwashing with soap at critical times, were suboptimal, and household water treatment methods were inconsistently applied. The findings underscore the urgent need for public health interventions that promote community- based water treatment, improved sanitation, and sustained hygiene education. The study concludes that strengthening local water management, behavioral change communication, and enforcement of water quality standards are crucial steps toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) in Ogbelaka and similar semi-urban communities.

Solar energy is a renewable and abundant resource that holds immense potential for meeting the world's growing energy demand while mitigating climate change. Accurate assessment of solar radiation patterns and availability is crucial for the efficient deployment of solar energy technologies and the optimization of renewable energy systems.This research project aims to conduct a comprehensive solar panel/ solar inverter resource assessment in the University Of Benin Ugbowo, Nigeria, to evaluate the solar energy potential around it. The study employs an approach which involved integrating satellite data analysis, gotten from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to quantify solar irradiance levels and characterize solar radiation . The findings of this research project will provide valuable insights into the periods of best insolation and also environmental factors influencing solar resource availability in the University Of Benin.Most domestic appliances such as personal computers, television sets and lighting systems among others, operation has largely been controlled by hydro-electric power supply [National Grid]. This is not much a reliable source of energy due to the persistent power failure from our only reliable Nation Grid in the country, which has been the result of low water level in the dam(s) during harmattan season, faulty underground cables and transformer failures. Nigeria's energy sector is characterized by a dominance of fossil fuels, which contributes to climate change, air pollution, and environmental degradation. The country's renewable energy resources, particularly solar energy, remain largely untapped. This project seeks to contribute to the development of Nigeria's solar energy sector by designing, installing, and testing a solar powered energy system with an inverter.

Background: Simulation-based learning is essential for preparing and training undergraduate students for their professional roles and enhancing their experiences and skills. Simulation-based learning (SBL), however, has not been widespread, despite its integration in the university curriculum. There is a gap in understanding how undergraduate students perceive and engage with simulation base learning. Objective: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of simulation based learning among undergraduate students in university of Benin. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was utilized for this study using a self-administered questionnaire administered to 620 undergraduate students of university of Benin. Data collected was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) 27.0. with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% Confidence Interval. Categorical data was presented using frequency tables. Chi-square and Fischer’s Exact tests examined relationship between demographic characteristics and respondent’s knowledge, attitude, practice and challenges towards simulation-based learning. Results: The mean age and parity of respondents studied was 21.1 ± 3.1 years. In terms of sex, 54.8% of the respondents were male, and 45.2% were female. The tribal distribution of the respondents showed Benin (34.5%) with the highest proportion. Five hundred and twenty-five (84.7%) respondents were aware of simulation-based learning with 193 (36.7%) having good knowledge of SBL. Department and academic level were significant predictors of good SBL knowledge with respondents form Medicine and 600 level students showing a p-value of 0.042 and 1 respectively. In relation to attitude, 447 (85.1%) respondents had positive attitude towards simulation based learning while only 78 (14.9%) had negative attitude. Good knowledge and Academic level were significant predictors of attitude toward simulation-based learning with respondents from fourth-year having a coefficient of 0.836 with a p-value of 0.053, suggesting a near-significant positive influence on supportive attitudes, while respondents from sixth-year and respondents with good knowledge of SBL as reference category. In relation to practice, 53.9% (334) had participated in simulation-based learning activities, while 46.1% (286) had not. The academic level of study of respondents in their sixth year, good knowledge and attitude had a strong predictive value and significantly influenced participation of simulation-based learning. Conclusion: The study revealed that while awareness of simulation-based learning is high, over two-thirds of students showed limited understanding of its concepts, especially younger and less advanced students. Over four-fifths had a positive outlook on simulation-based learning, recognizing its value in enhancing knowledge and skills. Although more than half had participated in SBL activities, current engagement was lower, with only four-tenths actively involved. High-fidelity mannequins and virtual patients were commonly used, indicating a preference for realistic simulations. Notably, over one-fifth of respondents reported challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, technical issues, and time constraints, which hinder effective simulation-based learning implementation.

Ionizing radiation is widely used in medical imaging but requires strict adherence to safety standards. This study assessed the awareness of radiation dose limits and regulatory guidelines among 234 radiography clinical-year students at the University of Benin. Only 36.4% correctly identified the recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv, while 44% admitted not knowing it. Mean knowledge score was moderate (66.8%), though Confidence towards radiation protection was high (87.1%). Students who attended radiation protection courses scored significantly higher (76.1%) than non-attendees (48.1%). These findings highlight a gap between positive safety Confidences and technical knowledge, emphasizing the need for strengthened curriculum and structured trainings.

In the intricate world of modern healthcare, where technology and human expertise intersect, diagnostic radiology stands as one of the most remarkable achievements. Yet, behind every powerful image produced through X-rays, CT scans, or fluoroscopy lies an invisible, potent force ionizing radiation. The study aimed to assess the level of practice of personnel radiation monitoring among radiology staff in Benin city. A descriptive cross-sectional study was used, census sampling was used to select a total of 60 respondents participated. The findings revealed that awareness levels were very high. Nearly all respondents recognized the risks of occupational radiation exposure, had received training on radiation safety, and were familiar with monitoring principles such as ALARA. In contrast, actual practice of radiation monitoring was less consistent. While radiographers adhered strongly to safety practices and many indicated they practiced monitoring even without supervision, compliance with the routine use and submission of dosimeters was far from universal. Challenges to monitoring were largely institutional. Respondents highlighted irregular supply of dosimeters, lack of timely feedback, and inadequate training as the most pressing obstacles. Hypothesis testing confirmed that awareness and practice are significantly related. In conclusion radiographers with higher awareness were more likely to engage in consistent monitoring practices, suggesting that knowledge plays an important role in shaping behavior, though institutional support is also necessary.

Background: Physical disabilities resulting from stroke, spinal cord injury (SCI), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) pose significant challenges to affected individuals, yet comparative assessments of these conditions remain limited in Nigeria. Understanding the determinants of disability in these populations is crucial for developing targeted rehabilitation strategies. Aims: This study aimed to compare the level of physical disability and its determinants among stroke survivors, SCI patients, and TBI patients, providing insights into their unique rehabilitation needs. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 60 participants (20 per group). Data on demographic and health variables were collected using structured questionnaires and validated tools, including the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS 2.0), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). One-way ANOVA was used to identify significant differences among groups. Results: The mean age of participants was 56.27 ± 10.70 years, with a mean condition duration of 5.60 ± 6.85 years the average score for the general health status (GS) was 32.05 ± 9.0. The WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) had a mean score of 21.65 ± 13.6. WHODAS scores suggested moderate disability across groups, with SCI patients showing higher scores, although not statistically significant (p = 0.053). Cognitive function remained preserved across all groups, as evidenced by high MMSE scores (mean: 29.97). the mean PHQ score was 5.70. ±4.3, the mean for PSS was 18.95 ±6.3, the mean BBS was 28.62 ±24.27. Conclusion: SCI patients exhibit greater impairments in balance and mobility compared to stroke and TBI patients.

The primary purpose of this study was to assess the information needs of cocoa farmers in Edo and Ondo states. Specifically, the study was conducted to investigate the information needs assessment of cocoa farmers; ascertain the farmers’ preference for cocoa information sources; examine cocoa farmers information needs and farmers search behavior and examine cocoa farmers’ constraints to information accessibility in the study area. Multistage random sampling
procedure was used to select 432 respondents while a structured interview schedule was used to
solicit information from the respondents. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Binary logit regression, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and 2x2 matrix used to establish the priorities mean score). The result revealed that the mean age of cocoa farmers was 52 years while majorities (70.4%) of the farmers were male. Majorities (35.4%) of the farmers had formal education, higher membership of a group (93.5%) and were married (80.3%). Majority (74.3%)
of the cocoa farmers’ cultivated farm lands of less than 10 hectares with a mean farming
experience of 22 years. This study revealed that the most prominent sources of information was
input dealers/suppliers (  =2.86±0.40), while Television (  =2.76±0.56), extension posters
(  =2.80±0.50) and face to face advice by other farmers (  =2.87±0.45) were the most preferred
among the institutional bodies, mass media electronics, print media and traditional sources of
information respectively. The mean score for weed control (  =3.14) and pest and disease
control (  =3.14) which were ranked 2nd in cocoa production information needs were ranked 1st
and 4th in level of information search with the mean values of (  =2.24) and (  =2.03)
respectively. Hence, the farmers need training in their information search behaviour. From the Matrix presentation, it was observed that cocoa production information with the discrepancies scores of farm layout with a weighted mean score of 5.48, farm cultivation system with a weighted mean score of 4.82 and seed selection and planting materials which had a weighted mean score of 4.67 were the critical areas where cocoa farmers need training or education in cocoa production information needs. Binary Logistic Regression indicated that the Nagelkerke R square value of 0.15 and 0.29 for Edo and Ondo States respectively indicated that the determinants would collectively explain about 15.0% and 29.5% variation in cocoa production information needs of farmers, respectively in the study area. Also the binary logistic regression test indicated that extension agents (t= 1.61; p≤0.01); input dealers/suppliers (t= 2.89; p≤0.01); internet (t= - 1.65 p≤0.01), cable network (t= 2.56; p≤ 0.01); family members (t= 0.92;
p≤0.05) and face to face contact with other farmers (t =0.67; p≤0.01) were the most significant preferred sources of information on farmers production information needs. The finding of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation indicated that positive and significant correlation exists between production information needs (r=0.271; p≤0.01) and postharvest information needs (r=0.303; p≤0.01) and farmers’ search behaviour for information.