UNDERGRADUATE

This study examines the influence of Airtel's music based advertising on brand recall among undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The objectives of the study were to investigate the impact of Airtel's music based advertising on the Brand Recall among undergraduates, critically analyse the effectiveness of music based advertising in promoting brand awareness and message retention among the university of Benin undergraduates. Another major objective of the study was to examine students' perception of Airtel's music based Advertisements and its impact on consumer and to further review music based advertising as a key factor in students" preference for Airtel over other telecom brands. For its methodology, survey research method was used to gather the data for the study. The findings however revealed that frequent exposure to Airtel's music based advertising enhances brand familiarity. The study also revealed that there is a strong association between music and Airtel's brand Identity. It was further revealed that music in Airtel's advertisements acts as an external route to persuasion. Hence, the researcher recommended among other things that there should be a continued use of music in advertising, maintaing consistency in audio branding, incorporate cross platform promotion and also monitor the feedback and engagement from their audience to regularly evaluate how their music based advertising are being recieved

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 paper examine the level of application of information and communication technology for academic activities by the undergraduate of the university of Benin. Survey method was adopted to carefully collect data from 402 respondents in the University of Benin through three stages using the simple random, stratified and simple sampling procedure. The study anchored on the technological determinism and diffusion of innovation theories. The rationale behind the study is to find out whether students have access to ICT tools and the impact it have on students, ascertaining the most commonly use ICT gadgets and the challenges encountered in utilising such tools and to determine the usage expertises. Findings show that undergraduate students of UNIBEN have access to ICTs gadgets especially smart phones which remains the most commonly accessible ICTs, however data subscription, and poor Internet connection remain the highest hindrances to the operation of ICT as it was discovered that many could not access or possess the necessary ICT of their choices such as laptops due to financial hindrances and this have a negative effect on the academic performance of undergraduate students of UNIBEN academically and socially. Findings also reveal that Internet remains the most visited students zoom when preparing for exams whereas ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) also gained momentum through the Internet as few or average percentage still leverage on textbooks and handouts materials. However, it was discovered that the university lacks proper infrastructure specifically loaded with ICTs gadget. Those that answers the availability of ICTs in their department express clear responses of it ineffectiveness. Findings also show that students, though have good operational intelligence, expertise of ICTs tools, yet, lacks good and balanced managerial intelligence as students spent much time on social media, gratifying self for pleasure. This affects the academic performance in no little measures. To this end, the study recommend that institutions should pay more attention to the development of ICT and flow with ICT trends. Also, free WiFi should be made available to aid Internet connectivity and more ICTs infrastructure should be considered with urgent response and attention. In conclusion, ICT user must take precautions measure to guide against addition to social media and the internet as this will have negative influence in their academics.

This study was embarked upon to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice towards the daily recommended water intake among female undergraduate students of the university of Benin. To guide this study, four (4) research questions where raised and answered. The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice towards the daily recommended water intake among female undergraduate students of the university of Benin. The knowledge, attitude and practice towards the daily recommended water intake were reviewed in the important literature that was reviewed for the research study. The instrument that wass used to collect responses from the study's respondents was a self-structured questionnaire, and the survey research design was the one adopted for this study. The data collected was tabulated and analyzed properly. The findings revealed that the level of knowledge on the daily recommended water intake among the respondents is low, also that the respondents have inadequate attitudes towards the daily recommended water intake and the practice towards the daily recommended water intake among the respondents includes; drinking water during school days, only a few carry their water cans daily, respondents drink water as soon as they get thirsty, majority do not drink water before eating and respondents drink water after eating. It was also revealed that cultural practices does have an influence on the attitudes towards the daily recommended water intake among the respondents. It was thus concluded that there are significant discrepancies in female undergraduate students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the daily required water intake have been brought to light by this study. The results show that there is a general lack of information on the topic, which leads to unsatisfactory attitudes regarding optimal hydration. In light of these results, it was recommended that focused health education initiatives are required to raise awareness and encourage constructive attitudes and behaviors around drinking enough water. Encouraging practical water drinking techniques and addressing cultural pressures can assist female undergraduates develop healthier habits, which will ultimately improve their general wellbeing

This study examines the factors motivating the choice of study of Mass Communication among undergraduates in the University of Benin. Evolving media technologies and innovations have significantly expanded career opportunities in mass communication. However, issues of professionalism and dwindling ethical standards have been constant threats to the prestige of the profession. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and the social responsibility theories provided theoretical justification for the study. Using the simple random sampling technique, 366 students of Mass Communication from 100- 400 level participated in a field survey. Findings revealed that personal ambition, career opportunities and prestige are some of the factors motivating the choice of mass communication as a career. The study thus concludes that there is the need for mass communication students to be taught under better conditions and promote practical of the Mass Communication discipline in order to improve the motivation of the study of Mass communication.

This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of lecturers towards the academic writing skills of undergraduate students. The sample size consisted of 50 lecturers from Education, Physical Science and Life Sciences in the University of Benin. The study utilized a questionnaire as a research instrument to gather data from the participants. The results revealed that the majority of the lecturers perceived undergraduate students' academic writing skills to be poor, with deficiencies in critical thinking, research, and organization. However, the study also showed that lecturers recognized the importance of academic writing skills and believed that they play a significant role in students' academic success. The study suggests that there is a need for increased emphasis on academic writing skills in undergraduate curricula and the provision of additional resources and support for students to improve their writing skills. The findings of this study have implications for teaching and learning practices in higher education, highlighting the importance of developing effective strategies to enhance
undergraduate students' academic writing skills.

Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that significantly affects academic performance, social functioning, and overall wellbeing among university students. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with depression among undergraduate students at the University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed, and data were collected from a sample of 382 students drawn from the Faculty of Arts through a stratified random sampling technique. A structured self- administered questionnaire incorporating the standardized Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess depression levels, while additional sections captured socio- demographic, academic, and lifestyle variables. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results revealed that depression was prevalent among undergraduate students, with varying degrees of severity influenced by socio-demographic, academic, and lifestyle factors. Female students, those with lower socioeconomic status, students living off-campus, and those with high academic workloads were more likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Furthermore, poor sleep quality, substance use, and lack of social support were significantly
associated with higher depression rates. Academic performance and self-efficacy were inversely related to depressive symptomatology, indicating that academic stress and low motivation contribute substantially to the development of depression. The findings underscore the urgent need for institutional interventions aimed at promoting mental health awareness, early screening, and the integration of counseling and peer support services within the university system. It is recommended that the University of Benin enhance mental health literacy programs, provide academic accommodations for affected students, and strengthen psychosocial support mechanisms to mitigate depression and its consequences among undergraduates.

This study was carried out to identify the factors influencing youth involve in cultism, a case study of undergraduate students in the University of Benin. The research was carried out as a survey research using relevant literature from journals, magazines, books and the internet. Four research questions were raised for the purpose of the study. A sample random sampling technique was used in selection of two hundred (200) university of Benin students. The data were collected with questionnaire instrument and analyzed using simple percentage. The result revealed that; the factors influencing university of Benin students into cultism are, inferiority complex, parental upbringing, broken homes, protection and students indulge in cultism because those caught in cult activities are not persecuted, the effect of cultism on the academic performances student are there is decline in the academic of a cultist, students who involve in cultism spends lots of extra years in school, absenteeism from classes and most of them end up not graduating at all, the rate of cultism on campus is low, as most students of the University of Benin are likely forced into cultism because of their resident area. Based on the results, it was recommended that professional guidance counselors should organize public lectures, seminars and workshops for students on the dangers of cultism, parents and Guardians should inculcate been apprehended by security operatives should be paraded and publicly sanctioned so that other students can learn from it and finally, on the part of the stakeholders in the university education (the churches, the mosques, parents, school administrators and the society at large) to fuse effort to eradicate the menace before it destroys the whole educational system.

This study investigated the factors influencing the health behaviour of full-time undergraduates at the University of Benin, Benin City. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected from 150 respondents selected through proportionate sampling from various faculties across the institution. A self-structured questionnaire titled Survey on Factors Influencing Health Behaviour among Undergraduates in the University of Benin was used for data collection. The instrument’s reliability, established through a pilot study at Ambrose Alli University, yielded a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.708, indicating acceptable reliability. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency counts, percentages, and mean scores, while chi-square tests were used to determine relationships between selected variables at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that although majority students engage in positive practices such as avoiding substance use, maintaining good hygiene, and exercising occasionally, negative behaviours such as poor diet, inadequate rest, and excessive screen time remain prevalent. Major factors influencing students’ health behaviour included peer pressure, academic workload, financial constraints, and limited access to credible health information and quality healthcare services. The study concluded that health behaviour among undergraduates is shaped by a complex interplay of personal, social, and institutional factors. It recommended that the university strengthen health promotion programmes, improve the accessibility and quality of campus health services, and integrate health education into student orientation and
wellness activities

This study examined the knowledge, perception, and uptake of voluntary HIV/AIDS screening among accounting students at a Nigerian university. Utilizing a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, 266 participants were selected through a stratified sampling technique to ensure a representative sample across different years of study. Data collection employed a structured questionnaire, and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 was used for data analysis. The study aimed to assess students' level of knowledge about HIV/AIDS, their attitudes toward screening, and the factors influencing their screening decisions. Results showed a high level of HIV/AIDS knowledge among participants, with
90.6% demonstrating good understanding, particularly concerning screening purposes, testing timing, and transmission routes. However, despite this high knowledge level, screening uptake was nearly evenly split, with 49.2% reporting good uptake and 50.8% indicating poor uptake. Only 28.2% engaged in regular screening, and just 35.3% had been tested within the last year, highlighting a gap in continuous monitoring. Stigma, lack of awareness, cost considerations, and accessibility emerged as the primary barriers, with 71.4% identifying stigma as a deterrent. Peer influence, awareness initiatives, and access to free testing services were significant facilitators for screening uptake. The study concludes that while knowledge about HIV/AIDS is high among accounting students, this does not consistently translate to regular screening behavior. Addressing both structural and psychosocial barriers is critical to improving HIV screening uptake. Recommendations include implementing institutional awareness programs, offering cost-free and easily accessible screening services, and developing peer support networks to reduce stigma. These interventions could contribute to a more consistent and proactive approach to HIV/AIDS screening among university students, ultimately supporting early detection and preventive health behaviors.