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ABSTRACT<br> <br> Waste(alsoknownasrubbish,trash,refuse,garbageorjunk)isunwantedoruselessmaterials.Wasteisdirectlylinkedtohumandevelopment,bothtechnologicallyandsocially.Somecomponentsofwastehaveeconomicalvalueandcanberecycledoncecorrectlyrecovered.Wasteissometimesasubjectiveconcept,becauseitemsthatsomepeoplediscardmayhavevaluetoothers.Itiswidelyrecognizedthatwastematerialsareavaluableresource.Wastecanbedefinedasanymaterialflowpatternthatisrejectedbythesociety.Wasteaccordingtotheirstatecanbeeithersolidorliquid.Industrialordomestichumanactivitiesgenerateswaste,whichifnotproperlydisposedcanthreatentheenvironmentandhealthofpeoplelivingaroundit.Solidwastemanagementhasbecomeoneofthemostpressingenvironmentalchallengesfacedbydevelopingnations.Theincreasingrateofurbanization,populationgrowth,andchangingconsumptionpatternshaveledtoarapidriseinthegenerationofmunicipalsolidwaste(MSW)incitiesandinstitutionsalike(Ogwueleka,2009).Educationalinstitutions,includinguniversitiesandpolytechnics,aremajorcontributorstoMSWduetothevolumeofdailyactivitiesinvolvingstaff,students,andvisitors.Ifnotproperlymanaged,thiswastecanleadtoseverehealthandenvironmentalconsequences.<br> Keywords:populationgrowth,municipalsolidwaste(MSW),economicalvalue,domestichumanactivitiesgeneratewaste,

Diarrhea Represents a disorder of the gastro-intenstinal transit which is characterized by a frequency of evacuation more than three times a day, stools of abnormal appearance, soft even liquid and volume unusually very high. Treatment of Diarrhea is gaining more research attentions due to the side effects associated with anti-diarrhea drugs like nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, constipation and so on. A total of forty-five (fifteen used for each of enteropooling, intestinal transit and diarrheal stool experiments) albino rats of both sexes weighing between 150-180 g were obtained from calbiotech Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria and kept in plastic cages placed in well ventilated house condition, at room temperature, photoperiod of 12 hours natural light and 12 hours dark and humidity 45-50% at the Animal House of fulcrum biochemistry lab Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria for two weeks to acclimatize them prior to commencement of treatments. They were given food and water ad libitum. The cleaning of the cages was done daily. The research conformed strictly to the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care (NIH, 1996). The research protocols were approved by the Department of Science Laboratory Technology (Biochemistry Unit), Kwara State Polytechnic, Kwara State in 2024. Diarrhea was induced in the rats using the method described by Gerald et al. (2007). The animals were fasted for 18 hours but were allowed free access to water. Groups I, II and III were orally administered 1 ml of distilled water, DMSO and loperamide (2.5 mg/kg body weight) respectively. Groups IV, and V were orally administered cassava powder solution at same dose of 1ml/kg body weight respectively. After 30 minutes of treatment with drug and extract, each animal in all groups (except the normal control group) was orally administered 1 ml of castor oil. The time between oil administration and appearance of the first diarrhea drops was noted. Observations for determining the severity of diarrhea were assessed for a period of 6 hours by monitoring the diarrhea drops. The total number of faeces, diarrhea faeces and the total weight of faeces excreted were expressed as an average and compared with those of the control groups. The percentage inhibition of diarrhea defaecation in each group was also calculated using the formula. Effect of aqueous suspension of garri powder on castor-oil induced enteropooling in rats. The higher the volume of intestinal fluid (ml) the higher the diarrhea, the lower the volume of intestinal fluid (ml) the lower the diarrhea. From the result garri has the lowest volume of intestinal fluid which indicate that garri is more effective than loperamide. It can therefore be concluded that the aqueous suspension of cassava powder contains anti-diarrhea potentials that can be explored in the development of a viable anti- diarrhea drug. This substantiates the use of the cassava powder as an anti-diarrhea agent by Traditional medical practitioners. Furthermore, these positive effects of cassava powder shows that it may be an alternative in the treatment of diarrhea because it exerts effects similar to those of loperamide.

Abstract<br> This study examines the impact of pension schemes and gratuity on retirees' financial security and satisfaction in Oyo State, Nigeria. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, 150 retirees managed by the Oyo State Pension Board participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews with pension officials and retirees. Descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and thematic analysis were employed to analyze the data.<br> The findings reveal that pension and gratuity significantly influence retirees' financial security and satisfaction. However, challenges such as delayed payments and inadequate funding persist. The study recommends policy reforms, improved administration, and increased pension and gratuity amounts to address these challenges.<br> This research contributes to the understanding of pension schemes and gratuity in Nigeria, highlighting areas for improvement to enhance retirees' financial security and satisfaction.<br> Keywords: Financial security, gratuity, Nigeria, Pension schemes, retirees, satisfaction.

This study explores the Impact of Oil Price Volatility (OPV) on the Nigerian economy, with a primary focus on its impact on government revenue, foreign exchange rates, investment, economic growth, and overall stability. The objective is to shed light on the complex relationship between OPV and Nigeria's economic performance. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze historical data, revealing significant insights into OPV's patterns and characteristics in Nigeria. The study emphasizes key statistical measures such as skewness, kurtosis, and normality tests to assess the distribution of OPV. The analysis reveals that OPV is a pervasive factor in the Nigerian economy, with an average volatility level of approximately 17.08. The data suggests that Nigeria experiences occasional spikes in volatility, which can disrupt economic planning. Additionally, the study highlights the potential impacts of OPV on government revenue, foreign exchange rates, investment, economic growth, budget planning, inflation, and unemployment rates. To mitigate the adverse effects of OPV, policymakers are urged to reduce Nigeria's dependency on oil by diversifying the economy, establishing a sovereign wealth fund, and developing robust risk management strategies. Furthermore, investments in infrastructure, fiscal discipline, promotion of economic diversification, and creating a stable investment climate are essential steps to reduce vulnerability to OPV. Public education about the importance of economic diversification and social safety nets to protect vulnerable populations are also emphasized as crucial components of a comprehensive strategy. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for proactive policy measures to navigate the challenges posed by OPV and facilitate Nigeria's transition to a more stable and diversified economic future.

This study explores Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis bacteria isolated from<br><br><br><br> Shea butter leaves (Vitellaria paradoxa), which were investigated for their capacity to produce<br><br><br><br> lipase. These bacteria may prove to be useful sources of enzymes for the food industry and other<br><br><br><br> biotechnological domains. Because lipase may target certain areas of fat molecules, it is<br><br><br><br> frequently used to alter vegetable oils under mild circumstances. These changes make it easier to<br><br><br><br> produce structured fats, which are widely desired in a variety of dietary applications and<br><br><br><br> frequently have better nutritional qualities and stability. By producing unique short-chain and<br><br><br><br> medium-chain fatty acids, microbial lipase plays a critical role in food production by boosting<br><br><br><br> flavor, accelerating the ripening of cheese, and enriching the taste and texture of butter and<br><br><br><br> cream.<br><br><br><br> This study's primary goal was to separate and identify the lipase-producing bacteria from<br><br><br><br> Shea butter leaves and access their enzymatic potential utilizing molecular and biochemical<br><br><br><br> techniques. Rhodamine-olive oil agar plates were used for the initial screens. Lipase activity was<br><br><br><br> shown by the formation of orange fluorescent halos when exposed to UV light Following<br><br><br><br> molecular characterization using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the strains that tested positive were<br><br><br><br> identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis. According to preliminary activity<br><br><br><br> testing, both strains were able to manufacture lipase in a laboratory setting, however, when<br><br><br><br> subjected to varying pH levels and temperatures, each strain unique patterns of enzyme activity.<br><br><br><br> These preliminary findings imply that both strains may be improved for specific industrial uses.<br><br><br><br> These lipase-producing bacteria have potential use beyond food processing; their<br><br><br><br> enzymes could help with environmental bio-remediation and bio-diesel production. To reduce<br><br><br><br> dependence on chemical processes, this study offers a sustainable approach to enzyme sources<br><br><br><br> 10<br><br><br><br> by using enzymes from local bacteria linked to plants. Furthermore, Shea butter leaves<br><br><br><br> (Vitellaria paradoxa ) serve as a new source of advantageous microorganisms, illustrating how<br><br><br><br> natural plant habitats can be enhanced for environmentally responsible and sustainable<br><br><br><br> biotechnological methods. This study emphasizes how important it is to look into local microbial<br><br><br><br> sources, opening the door for further research aimed at boosting microbial enzyme production

Nephrotoxicity has been documented by several studies as the most common and clinically serious adverse effect of cadmium chloride exposure. This study was undertaken to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of Vitex simplicifolia extract on cadmium chloride induced kidney damage in albino rats. A total of 25 male Wister albino rats were used for the study, with group 1 taken as the baseline (no intoxication and treatment), groups 2-5 were intoxicated with 5 mg/kg b.w of CdCl2 via oral route. Thereafter, the rats were treated as follows, .group 2 was given only the vehicle, group 3 was treated with 200 mg/kg b.w of extract, group 4 was given 400 mg/kg b.w of extract while group 5 was administered a standard drug, ascorbic acid (20 mg/kg b.w.). The treatment and intoxication were done simultaneously for 21 days, after which the rats were fasted overnight before collecting blood samples used for determination of kidney markers. The result of urea concentration of the group 2 (untreated) was a significant (p < 0.05) higher when compared to group 1 (baseline). Interestingly, a significant (p < 0.05) decrease on urea concentration was recorded in groups 3 and 4 treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w of the extract, respectively. Similar observation was made in groups 5 administered ascorbic acid as against group 2 (5 mg/kg b.w of CdCl2 only) Also, intoxication of CdCl2 provoked a significant (p < 0.05) increase on creatinine concentration in group 2 when compared to group 1. This abnormality was restored by treatment with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. of the extract and ascorbic acid However, there was a significant (p > 0.05) increase in pH and the concentrations of potassium, total biocarbonate, chlorine and albumin globulin ratio in the treated groups when compared to the untreated group. The marked increase in the concentration of sodium ion in group 2, was also restored in the extract treated groups, with groups 3 and 4 having sodium ion concentration of 5.64 ±0.65 and 5.90 ± 0.37 respectively against 5.90 ±0.37 recorded in the untreated group. The results of this study suggest that Vitex Simplicifolia can be used to serve as a nephroprotective plant.

This study evaluated the performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of dried potato peel meal. Growth rate, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were measured across treatment groups. Results showed that moderate inclusion of potato peel meal supported normal growth, while higher levels slightly reduced performance. The study concludes that dried potato peel meal can be used as a partial alternative energy source in broiler diets without adverse effects at lower inclusion levels.

A survey of fungi associated with the neck rot disease of onion bulbs was conducted in Biu, Biu local government area, Borno state. Samples of onion bulbs with neck rot disease were collected from two markets main market and kasuwan mata. The samples were kept in a polythene bag and taken to the biology laboratory, department of Biology, faculty of natural and applied sciences, Nigerian Army University Biu for further studies. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify the fungi that are associated with neck rot disease of Allium cepa in some selected markets in Biu. Isolation were carried out by inoculating the different samples on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates for a week from which pure culture were obtained after subculturing the different fungal colonies. A total of four Fungi; aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus microspores and Rhizopus oryzae were isolated. The percentage frequency of fungi isolated from the two samples indicated that Aspergillus niger had the highest percentage of frequency than all the other species with a frequency of 41.67%, followed by Rhizopus microsporus with a frequency of 33.33% then Fusarium oxyporum with frequency 16.67%. Rhizopus oryzae had the least percentage frequency compare to other species with a frequency of 8.33%. further research should be done to investigate palnt extracts that can be used to control these fungi and also marketers and farmers should focus on improving storage conditions.