Auchi Polytechnic

The health and well-being of young adult building artisans are germane because of their critical role in infrastructure development. There is a perceived increase and paucity of studies regarding young adult building artisans' involvement in illicit substances, which threatens the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 8. This study investigated the underlying causes and recommended feasible measures to prevent or mitigate the use of illicit substances among young adult artisans on construction sites in Nigeria, and, by extension, to improve the achievement of Goals 3 and 8. This research employs a face-to-face interview to collect data in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. Findings reveal that there is a prevalent issue of increasing young adult building artisans' illicit substance intake on building sites. This poses a significant threat to occupational health (SDG 3) and workplace safety (SDG 8). Findings also identified 17 underlying causes, including a lack of awareness among artisans, a low educational background and lax safety and management policies. This research contributes to the existing literature on preventing or mitigating illicit substance use among young adult building artisans. It also recognises that preventive or mitigative measures can be useful for mental health stability and, by extension, for achieving the SDGs.

Collaborative governance has emerged as a transformative framework for addressing complex social development challenges through structured partnerships between government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community stakeholders, is a dynamic and inclusive approach bridging the gap between them for effective social development. In contemporary social work practice, these multi-actor collaborations are increasingly recognized as essential for promoting inclusive service delivery, accountability, and sustainable development outcomes. This review paper examined post-2020 empirical and theoretical contributions to collaborative governance, emphasizing its relevance to social work and social development. Using a qualitative review methodology, the study synthesizes recent scholarly literature to analyze mechanisms of partnership formation, institutional coordination, trust-building, and shared decision-making. Findings from the review indicated that effective collaborative governance is characterized by transparent communication, clearly defined roles, mutual trust, adaptive leadership, and participatory engagement. However, structural inequalities, bureaucratic rigidities, fundings , developing contexts. The review concluded that strengthening collaborative governance frameworks is critical for advancing social justice, community empowerment, and sustainable social welfare systems.

This study investigated the potential of the continuous anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of Hura crepitans leaves and cow dung for biogas production under mesophilic conditions in a vertical plug-flow digester. The substrates were combined in ratio 1:1, mixed with water and allowed to acclimatize for 14 days before weekly feeding at organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.79 gVS/L d. AcoD was performed for a retention time of 7 weeks (49 days). Physicochemical analysis revealed Hura crepitans leaves had a high total solid (TS) content of 96% and volatile solid (VS) content of 83.85% while cow dung exhibited a TS of 26% and VS of 17.49%. The carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratios of Hura crepitans and cow dung were 17.75 and 141.19 respectively Weekly biogas production measurements demonstrated a diauxic growth pattern, with initial production at 4.32 L in week 1, followed by a notable increase to 6.48 L in week 2, a significant drop to 1.40 L in week 3, and a recovery to higher production in weeks 4 through 7, culminating in a cumulative biogas production of 30.77 L at the end of the AD process. The biofertiliser potential of the digestate was evaluated, and the results indicated its potentials for agricultural purposes. The findings of this study suggest that the co-digestion of Hura crepitans leaves and cow dung in a vertical plug-flow digester could improve biogas production and promote sustainable waste management.

Nigeria’s persistent social welfare backwardness remains a major obstacle to achieving socially engineered development despite the country’s vast natural and human resources. This review paper examines how policy failures, implementation inconsistencies, and institutional discontinuities have undermined access to basic services such as energy, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, particularly in rural communities. Anchored on the principle of “going back to the basics,” the study argues that sustainable development in Nigeria depends on prioritizing fundamental social services through coordinated, transparent, and community-focused interventions. Using recent empirical evidence and policy reports published after 2019, the paper demonstrates that energy poverty, weak health systems, poor educational outcomes, and high unemployment are mutually reinforcing challenges rooted in governance deficits. The findings highlight the consequences of policy somersaults, corruption, and weak inter-agency coordination on social welfare delivery. The paper concludes that a return to basic, accountable, and inclusive policy frameworks—supported by renewable energy expansion, strengthened primary healthcare, quality basic education, and youth-oriented economic empowerment—is essential for reversing Nigeria’s social welfare backwardness and advancing socially engineered development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The geotechnical properties of lateritic soils from Ibienafe, South Ibie, Edo State, Nigeria, were assessed for pavement construction using both untreated and stabilized samples obtained from Locations A, B, and C. Due to similar geotechnical characteristics across sites, Location B was selected for stabilization. Laboratory analyses were performed in accordance with BS 1377: Parts 2 and 4 (1990), comprising specific gravity determination, particle size distribution, Atterberg limits, compaction characteristics, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR). Untreated soils, with a CBR of 36.35%, suited low-traffic subgrades but required stabilization. The results showed consistent specific gravity (2.54–2.56), fine-grained composition (84.36–85.13% passing 0.075 mm, classified as lean clay, CL), moderate plasticity (PI 11.58–12.02%), and compaction (MDD 1.85–1.90 g/cm³, OMC 11.03–14.16%). Stabilization with 2.5% and 5.0% Plantain Peel Ash (PPA) reduced CBR (31.05–34.09%), compaction (MDD 1.82–1.83 g/cm³, OMC 15.39–18.54%), and specific gravity (2.45), indicating limited benefits. Conversely, 2.5% and 5.0% Nano-Silica (NS) improved CBR (36.21–39.47%), reduced plasticity (PI 4.71–6.61%), and increased density (Gs 2.53–2.60). The 5.0% PPA and 2.5% NS combination yielded the highest CBR (48.55%), optimal compaction (MDD 1.79 g/cm³, OMC 18.13%), and low plasticity (PI 6.73%), ideal for subbase in light-traffic roads, highlighting NS’s superior stabilization and PPA-NS eco-efficiency.

The transition to a circular economy for hydrocarbons demands advanced recycling paradigms for waste lubricant oil (WLO). This study presents a holistic, multi-modal investigation of an intensified sequential process integrating acid pre-treatment with methanol extraction for WLO valorization. To complement conventional analysis, High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry was employed to deconvolute the molecular-level transformation, identifying and quantifying the removal of more than 500 distinct contaminant species. The mechanism of acid treatment was elucidated through in-situ FTIR spectroscopy, which quantified second-order reaction kinetics (k = 2.3 × 10⁻³ L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) for metal-carbonate dissociation. Density Functional Theory calculations provided a quantum-mechanical rationale for solvent efficacy, revealing strong, spontaneous binding between methanol and key oxidation products (e.g., ΔGbind= -5.2 kcal/mol with stearic acid). Microwave-assisted extraction enhanced process efficiency, reducing processing time by 95.8 % and increasing yield by 8 %. The reclaimed oil exceeded key API Group I specifications, with a kinematic viscosity of 16.49 cSt at 100°C, a flash point of 240°C and a total acid number of 0.05 mg KOH/g. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment demonstrated a 65% reduction in global warming potential compared to virgin base oil production. This work provides a validated framework for sustainable WLO valorization by coupling atomistic-level mechanistic insights with a validated, intensified process.

Aim: This research aims to develop an improved groundnut roasting and peeling machine that reduces human effort and increases productivity. Study Design: Redesign the existing groundnut roasting machine by incorporating a peeling chamber, fabricate an improved groundnut roasting machine, and evaluate the performance of the groundnut roasting and peeling machine. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between 2021-2024. Methodology: The method used consists of designed components utilizing SolidWorks software, which includes a roasting chamber, a peeling chamber, and the necessary specifications for roasting groundnuts, peeling groundnuts, and their required power and speed, which are essential for the completion of this study. Results: This study found that peeling 5 kg of groundnuts by hand takes approximately 3-5 hours, whereas peeling the same quantity using the machine takes 14 minutes, with a peeling efficiency of 90%. It was also observed that the mass before roasting varies significantly, and a machine operating at different revolutions per minute produces different values after peeling. Conclusion: A groundnut roasting and peeling machine was built using readily available materials and is suitable for local production of roasted and peeled groundnut seeds. The machine is easy to operate, repair, and maintain. The technology is affordable and less costly compared to imported roasting and peeling machines. It has low operational costs; it is compact, of moderate weight, produces minimal noise, and operates without vibrations. Therefore, it can be concluded that groundnut weight before roasting varies, and the machine operating at different revolutions per minute yields different peeling results. The time required to peel 5 kg of groundnuts manually is approximately 3-5 hours, whereas the same amount can be peeled using this machine in just 14 minutes. The machine achieves a peeling efficiency of 90% and a capacity of 19.6 kg/hour of peeled groundnuts. This clearly shows that peeling roasted groundnut seeds with this machine is more advantageous than doing so manually, and it represents an improvement over previously fabricated design.

Abstract This study evaluated palm oil mill residues as feedstock and optimized biogas production via anaerobic co-digestion with cow dung, using zeolite as an immobilization medium. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on Central Composite Design in Design Expert v10.0 was used to assess the effects of hydraulic retention time (HRT), pH, pressure, and temperature. HRT was the most influential factor, followed by pH and pressure, while temperature had minimal impact. Optimal conditions—HRT of 17 days, pH 8.00, pressure 4 bar, and temperature 35 °C—produced a predicted biogas yield of 3410.75 mL, closely matched by a validated yield of 3412.71 mL with only 0.057% error. The model was robust (R² = 0.9995, insignificant lack of fit).Feedstock quality was confirmed by proximate and ultimate analyses (volatile solids 10.17%, volatile matter 17.53%, total solids 103.59 mg/L, C:N ratio 49.49). SEM revealed structural voids post-digestion, EDX showed reduced elemental content, FTIR indicated active biodegradation, and GC-MS showed 72.43% methane. This confirms the process's efficiency and the suitability of zeolite-enhanced co-digestion. RSM proved to be an effective modelling tool, supporting the potential for industrial-scale, sustainable biogas production.

Abstract This study investigates the enhancement of biogas production from palm oil mill residues through microbial immobilization on zeolite during anaerobic co-digestion. SEM/EDX analysis showed that fresh sludge contained approximately 45.1 wt% organic carbon and 1.25 wt% calcium, while spent sludge demonstrated increased porosity and biofilm formation, indicating successful microbial colonization on zeolite surfaces. FTIR analysis revealed significant degradation of organic functional groups in substrates such as palm oil mill effluent (POME), palm kernel shell (PKS), fibrous biomass (FBK), mesocarp fiber (MF), and cow dung, confirming effective substrate breakdown. GC-MS characterization of biogas identified methane concentrations reaching 65%, along with minor volatile organic compounds, demonstrating efficient methanogenesis. Zeta potential measurements indicated values ranging from –15 mV to +5 mV, facilitating microbial adhesion and biofilm stability. Kinetic modelling using pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and Monod models showed that immobilization with 10% zeolite increased the biogas production rate constant (k) from 0.035 to 0.078 day⁻¹, reducing lag phase duration by 30%. Experimental results demonstrated a cumulative biogas yield increase from 210 mL/g volatile solids (VS) without zeolite to 455 mL/g VS with zeolite, more than doubling production. These findings suggest that zeolite-supported microbial immobilization enhances substrate biodegradability, stabilizes operational conditions, and mitigates inhibitory effects, offering a scalable and efficient strategy for renewable bioenergy generation from palm oil residues.

The demand for quality drinking water is a necessity across the world today considering the high level of increase in population and global warming. It is therefore necessary to adopt different alternative measures in converting wastewater into drinkable water. This project therefore aimed at investigating the anaerobic processes in septic tank as a wastewater treatment option using wastewater from a septic tank-: a case study of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State. Personal observation and laboratory analysis were used for data collection. Water samples were taken from a septic tank to assess the level of temperature, conductivity, pH, odour, COD, BOD, and OD in the water. The result showed the presence of BOD in the water sample was higher (106.6883 mg/L) than the WHO tolerance limit of 5 mg/L for drinking water. The sample was heavily loaded with colloidal matter (turbidity: 42.09 NTU), organic matter (COD: 106 mg/L), and suspended matter (turbidity: 42.09 NTU). This shows that the discharge of septic tank effluent to water bodies without treatment poses a serious health risk to humans and the environment. Therefore, the following recommendations were made: provision of adequate waste disposal facilities to cater for both solid and liquid waste, enforcement of existing health and hygienic regulations guiding abattoir operation.