ASSESSMENT

Credit risk assessment is a critical process in lending institutions aimed at evaluating the likelihood of loan default by applicants. Traditional manual assessment methods are often inconsistent and time-consuming, while many automated credit scoring systems lack transparency and explainability. This study presents the design and implementation of a web- based credit risk assessment system . The proposed system captures key applicant attributes and applies predefined decision rules to compute credit risk scores. Debt-to-income ratio and other affordability indicators are used to classify applicants into low, medium, or high risk categories. The system generates clear and interpretable credit decisions accompanied by explanatory reasons. A structured system analysis and design methodology was adopted to guide development. The system was implemented using web technologies and deployed as a browser- based prototype. Functional testing was conducted using representative test cases. Test results confirmed that the system produces accurate, consistent, and explainable credit decisions. The system enhances transparency, usability, and decision accountability. The study demonstrates that explainable rule-based models can effectively support automated credit risk assessment in small and medium-scale lending environments.

Attendance management is a key part of academic administration, yet many Nigerian universities still rely on manual methods prone to errors and impersonation. This study, titled “An Assessment of User Acceptance of Biometric Fingerprint Attendance Systems in Educational Institutions,” examined how students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) perceive and are willing to adopt biometric fingerprint technology as a modern attendance tool. Using a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 85 students across different faculties. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the study analyzed factors such as awareness, ease of use, trust, and data security. Results showed high awareness and positive attitudes toward the technology, though concerns about privacy and technical support persisted. The study recommends improved infrastructure, training, and clear data protection measures to enhance user trust and successful adoption of biometric systems in universities.

Attendance management is a key part of academic administration, yet many Nigerian universities
still rely on manual methods prone to errors and impersonation. This study, titled “An
Assessment of User Acceptance of Biometric Fingerprint Attendance Systems in Educational
Institutions,” examined how students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) perceive and are
willing to adopt biometric fingerprint technology as a modern attendance tool. Using a
descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 85 students across different faculties. Guided
by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of
Technology (UTAUT), the study analyzed factors such as awareness, ease of use, trust, and data
security. Results showed high awareness and positive attitudes toward the technology, though
concerns about privacy and technical support persisted. The study recommends improved
infrastructure, training, and clear data protection measures to enhance user trust and successful
adoption of biometric systems in universities.

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 SouthSouth Nigeria remain scarce.

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. Keywords: Community-Acquired Infections, Undergraduate Students, Halls of Residence, University of Benin, Benin City, Knowledge, Attitude, Hygiene Practices, Prevalence, Health Belief Model.

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.