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Research work is a fundamental component of academic development and institutional growth within tertiary education systems. This study examines the nature, processes, challenges, and significance of research activities in selected tertiary institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from academic staff, research coordinators, and postgraduate students across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The study investigates the availability of research facilities, funding patterns, staff research capacity, institutional support structures, and the perceived impact of research output on teaching, learning, and community development. Findings reveal that although research is widely recognized as essential, institutions face major constraints such as inadequate funding, limited access to modern research tools, insufficient training in research methodology, and bureaucratic obstacles to securing grants. Despite these challenges, staff and students demonstrate a strong commitment to scholarly inquiry and innovation. The study recommends improved government and private-sector funding, enhanced research training programs, stronger institutional policies, and increased collaboration among institutions. These measures will significantly strengthen research culture and productivity across tertiary institutions in Ogun State.

This study explores the significant roles of Pidgin in a multilingual society<br> through the lens of korodu Market in Lagos State, Nigeria. Drawing upon the<br> theoretical frameworks of Language Contact and Code-Switching, the<br> research examines how Pidgin functions as a vital communication tool for<br> diverse linguistic communities within the market seting. Employing both<br> qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study analyzes the various<br> ways in which Pidgin facilitates social interaction, fosters mutual<br> understanding, and promotes cultural exchange among market participants.<br> This research highlights the importance of Pidgin in multilingual societies,<br> specifically demonstrating its capacity to break down linguistic barriers and<br> encourage cohesion in diverse communities such as the Ikorodu Market.

This project work evaluates the depth distribution and source of organochlorine pesticidesin an estuarine sediment core from Ossain at Forcados River. The core sediment samples were obtained at 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm depths. The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the samples were determined with gas chromatography equipped mass spectrometry after extraction with a mixture of n-hexane and dichloromethane in a ratio of 1:1 by volume. The total concentration of the Σ₂₆OCPs across the sediment depth ranged from 2.25 µg/kg at depth 20-30 cm to 18.28 µg/kg at depth of 10-20 cm. The concentrations of the OCPs homologues ranged 0.41 to 12.83 µg/kg for BHC, 0.16 to 1.00 for DDT, 0.35 to 2.89 µg/kg for Chlordane, 0.32 to 2.88 µg/kg for Drins and 0.05-3.62 µg/kg for Endosulfan. The homologue profile of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediment core followed the order: Σ4BHC > Σ5Chlordane > Σ5Drins > Σ3Endosulfan > Σ3DDT. The high concentration of the BHCs in the study area could be as result of high usage of BHCs pesticide in control of pest.<br><br> The source of the organochlorine pesticides contamination in the Ossain sediment, Forcados River estuary showed majorly of past or historical usage and few recent uses of organochlorine pesticides.

ABSTRACT<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> This study examines the impact of political leadership on food security in Nigeria from 2015<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> to 2023, focusing on the policies and initiatives undertaken during the Buhari administration.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Utilizing a qualitative research approach, the study employs a case study design complemented<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> by stakeholder interviews and analysis of secondary data sources, including government<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> reports, academic literature, and reports from international agencies such as FAO and WFP.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> The research investigates how various policies such as the Agricultural Promotion Policy<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> (APP), Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP), and social intervention programs have influenced<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> agricultural productivity, food access, and resilience amid challenges like insecurity, climate<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> change, infrastructural deficits, and governance issues. Key findings indicate that although<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Nigeria has experienced some progress in crop yields and import reduction, systemic obstacles<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> such as insecurity and poor infrastructure continue to hamper sustainable food security. The<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> study emphasizes the necessity for strengthened governance, decentralized policy<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> implementation, climate-smart agriculture, financial inclusion, conflict resolution, and<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> stakeholder engagement for long-term food security. It advocates for holistic, inclusive<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> strategies driven by transparent leadership and community participation to transform Nigeria’s<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> food systems.

ABSTRACT<br> This study investigates the comparative academic performance of students in Basic Science in public and private junior secondary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State, Nigeria. Amid concerns about declining performance in science subjects, particularly in external exams, the research seeks to identify gender-based performance differences and assess the impact of school type (public vs. private) on students' achievements. Three objectives, research questions and hypotheses guide the study, exploring whether significant differences exist between male and female students' scores and between the two school types. The study aims to contribute to the improvement of science education at the foundational level. This study employed a correlational research design to compare the academic performance of students in Basic Science across public and private junior secondary schools in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA), Rivers State. The population of the study consists of all public and private secondary school in ONELGA with the total population of about 394,065 and a sample of 240 students from eight schools—representing urban and rural public and private institutions—was selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data on student performance were collected from the Rivers State Ministry of Education. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to analyze the data, revealing significant differences in academic outcomes based on school type and gender. Private school students significantly outperformed their public school counterparts, with male students in both public and private schools outperforming female students. The findings highlight disparities in educational resources, teacher qualifications, and infrastructural support between public and private schools. The study concludes that private schools offer a better environment for academic achievement, and it is recommended that; Government should increase funding for public schools to improve infrastructure and resources, public schools should prioritize hiring and training qualified teachers, implement policies to reduce student-teacher ratios in public schools and introduce mentorship programs and collaborations between public and private schools.

This study was designed to compare physico-chemical and heavy metal ion concentration in Odo Ona river and river Dandaru, Ibadan, Nigeria. This was done by taking water samples from the two environment at different levels and assessing them for, Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb),Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe),Total hardness (TH), Electricity conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), pH, Temperature. Water samples were Analysed using one-sample t-test (sample t-test) methods while metal concentration of the water was digested and determined using Pekin Element 403 Atomic Absorption spectrometer (AAS) method. The recorded mean value of metals Pb (1.46mg/l-1.60mg/l), Zn (0.99mg/l-12.17mg/l), Cu (1.34mg/l-0.97mg/l),Fe (1.46mg/l9.10mg/l), Ni (0.89mg/l-0.59mg/l) and recorded mean value of physico-chemical parameters TH (99.92mg/l-100.03mg/l), DO (4.46mg/-4.96mg/l), EC (217.84us/cm-219.6667us/cm), pH (7.14-7.22), Temperature (27.08oc-27.0367oc) present in the water sampled from Odo-ona and Dandaru river respectively, was within the recommended limit by FAO/WHO/EU/USFDA. Iron was high in value at Odo-Ona river and Zinc was high in Dandaru river, this sites may be exposed to Metal Pollution slightly. There is no significant difference among them (p>0.05).

This study examined the Acceptance and Utilization of Open Educational Resources (OER) for Educational Purposes among Undergraduate Students in Universities in Kwara State, Nigeria. As access to quality and affordable educational resources remains a significant challenge in Nigerian higher education, the study investigated how undergraduates engage with OER, focusing on awareness, acceptance, extent of use, and challenges encountered.<br> <br> A descriptive survey design was adopted, involving 200 undergraduate students selected from various universities in Kwara State through random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study explored seven research questions and tested four hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance.<br> <br> Findings revealed that while a wide range of OERs is available for educational use, students’ awareness and acceptance levels were moderate. Utilization of OERs was influenced by factors such as gender, area of specialization, and institutional support. Male students and those in science-related disciplines reported higher engagement with OERs. Challenges identified included limited digital literacy, inadequate internet access, poor infrastructure, and lack of institutional promotion. However, the study also highlighted strategies to improve OER utilization, such as training programs, curriculum integration, and infrastructural development.<br> <br> The study concluded that OERs have the potential to enhance learning and research if properly implemented and supported. Recommendations include intensified awareness campaigns, improved digital infrastructure, and policy frameworks to support the integration of OER into academic programs. The findings are expected to benefit students, lecturers, school administrators, educational technologists, and policymakers by promoting inclusive, cost-effective, and equitable access to quality learning materials.

Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) in both cost-effective and environmentally friendly ways has potential applications in soft soil stabilization. This study investigates the possible uses of POFA (individually and in combination with cement) on several basic characteristics of clayey soil behavior, such as proctor compaction, Atterberg limit, and unconfined compression strength (UCS). These properties are compared with those of unstabilized clay and stabilized clay with cement. Scanning electron microscopy with X-ray micro analysis is conducted on untreated and treated soil to elucidate their strength development, and the observed test results are then explained. Findings show that palm oil fuel ash treatments result in significant reductions in the soil plasticity index (PI). The results of the compaction test indicate that the utilization of palm oil fuel ash /cement mixture in soft soil stabilization decreases the optimum moisture content and increases the maximum dry density across selected binder dosages.