UNIHEZ JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY RESEARCH

Uncontrolled waste dumpsites in rapidly urbanizing regions are complex environmental systems where chemical and radiological hazards coexist but are often assessed separately, limiting understanding of cumulative exposure and long-term health risks. This study presents an integrated spatial assessment of background ionizing radiation (BIR) and heavy metal contamination in soils around the Ariaria waste dumpsite, Nigeria, with the aim of developing a unified radiological–toxicological risk framework. In situ gamma radiation measurements were conducted using a calibrated Geiger–Müller survey meter, while soil samples were analysed for elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Radiological indices, including absorbed dose rate, annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), were calculated using standard models. Heavy metal concentrations were evaluated against international guideline limits, and spatial patterns were analysed to identify contamination variability. Results show that the mean absorbed dose (≈193.3 nGy h⁻¹) exceeds the global average of 89 nGy h⁻¹, indicating enhanced radiation from radionuclide-bearing wastes. Although AEDE (≈0.30 mSv y⁻¹) remains within recommended public exposure limits, ELCR (≈1.03 × 10⁻³) exceeds global reference values, suggesting elevated long-term cancer risk. Geochemical analysis reveals that chromium, uranium, thorium, nickel, and cobalt exceed regulatory thresholds, while cadmium, lead, zinc, and arsenic remain within permissible limits. Spatial patterns indicate heterogeneous contamination driven by waste composition and subsurface processes. Overall, the co-occurrence of radiological and chemical contaminants highlights a chronic, multi-pathway exposure scenario with potential long-term health implications. These findings emphasize the need for integrated monitoring, improved waste management, and targeted remediation strategies.

The study examined the effects of a six-week ergonomic bicycle exercise programme on anthropometric measurements among undergraduate students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Three objectives, three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. The population for the study comprised of all undergraduate students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and a sample size of 182, was recruited for the study. The instrument for data collection was a self-structured questionnaire titled effect of a 6-week ergonomic bicycle exercise programme on anthropometric measurement (E6-WEBEPAM) with 0.68 coefficient of reliability. Data was analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested using paired samples t-test at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The findings from study showed the mean body weight for male undergraduate students was72.51kg and that of the female student was 66.33kg prior to six-weeks ergonomic bicycle exercise intervention; while it was 65.18kg for male students and 61.67kg for female undergraduate students post six-weeks of ergonomic bicycle exercise intervention. The mean body mass index for male students was 24.30kg/m2 and 24.38kg/m2 for female students prior to 6-weeks intervention; and 21.80kg/m2 for male students and 22.69kg/m2 post intervention. Percentage body fat was 18.15% for male students and 28.78% for female students prior to exercise intervention; while post exercise intervention was 15.16% for the male students and 26.75% for female students. Furthermore, the paired samples t-tested analysis revealed six-weeks participation in exercise riding the stationary ergonomic bicycle has significant effect on body mass (t= -12.287; p= 0.000); body mass index (t= -12.077; 0.000) and percentage body fats (t= -12.079; p= 0.000) among undergraduate students of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education. It was recommended that the university management should provide stationary ergonomic bicycles on campus and at the same time grant the students unlimited access to these fitness facilities.

Advancing peacebuilding through technology: a focus on social media and digital diplomacy was investigated. The objectives were to examine the role of social media platforms in promoting dialogue and mutual understanding in conflict-affected communities, analyze how digital diplomacy initiatives contribute to conflict resolution and peacebuilding at local, national, and international levels, evaluate the effectiveness of technology-driven peacebuilding strategies in mitigating hate speech and online radicalization, explore the ways in which governments and non-state actors utilize digital tools to facilitate peace negotiations and diplomatic engagement and identify challenges and opportunities in integrating social media and digital diplomacy into long-term peacebuilding frameworks. This study adopted a descriptive research design, historical research design was used to trace the evolution of digital diplomacy and peacebuilding strategies, focusing on the impact of social media from the early 2000s to the present. The study relied on secondary data sources while content analysis method was employed to systematically analyze and interpret the data. The result showed that social media platforms facilitate dialogue and mutual understanding in conflict-affected communities but are hindered by misinformation and manipulation. Digital diplomacy initiatives contribute to conflict resolution by enhancing inclusivity and transparency at local, national, and international levels, as seen in peace processes in Colombia and South Sudan. Technology-driven strategies, including counter-speech campaigns, help mitigate hate speech and online radicalization, though challenges remain due to unregulated content. Governments and non-state actors use digital tools to engage in peace negotiations, promoting broader participation. However, challenges such as the digital divide, cybersecurity risks, and online polarization persist. Opportunities include increased inclusivity, real- time engagement, and international cooperation, but addressing these challenges requires policy development, infrastructure investment, and global collaboration.

Expenditure management plays a critical role in determining the quality of service delivery in public schools, particularly in regions facing resource constraints. This study examined the influence of expenditure management on service delivery in public schools within Esan West Local Government Area (L.G.A) of Edo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design, sampling 140 teachers and administrative staff across selected public schools. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The regression results revealed that budgeting practices (β = 0.45, p < 0.05), expenditure prioritization (β = 0.38, p < 0.05), and financial accountability (β = 0.52, p < 0.05) significantly influence service delivery in public schools. Financial accountability was identified as the most critical determinant, highlighting the importance of transparent fund management, timely salary payments, and audit compliance in enhancing teacher motivation, retention, and overall educational quality. The combined effect of the three expenditure management practices explained 68% of the variation in service delivery (R² = 0.68). These findings underscore that structured budgeting, strategic expenditure allocation, and robust accountability mechanisms are essential for improving the availability of learning materials, infrastructure, and teacher performance. The study recommends adopting participatory budgeting, prioritizing critical expenditures, strengthening financial accountability, and building administrative capacity to optimize resource utilization and enhance educational outcomes.

The purpose of this work is to make known the appraisal of RSTV campaign against infant mortality in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers state. This is to present detailed and comparative information on the television campaign against infant mortality in the area sponsored by some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s). In course of this research work the researcher used the opinion survey method, which required the administration of questionnaire to gather data. The total population of this work is the residents of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area (464,789 according to the 2006 census) from which a sample was drawn (sample size of 1,858). 330 copies of the questionnaires were administered to respondents in Obio/Akor Local Government Area, which comprises of both male and female adult. Findings of the study shows that the RSTV campaign against infant mortality in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area is vital to the reduction of infant mortality rate in the area and suggest the government make available community viewing centres in the area then intensify enlightenment campaign through street rallies and the social media. 

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has intensified price competition across online marketplaces, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to identify the most cost-effective purchasing options. This study presents the design and implementation of a web-based price checking system developed to support real-time price comparison within the e-commerce marketplace. The proposed system aggregates product price information from multiple platforms, including Jumia, Konga, and Amazon, thereby enabling users to compare prices and make informed purchasing decisions. The system was implemented using modern web technologies—HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and ReactJS— to ensure responsiveness, scalability, and cross-platform accessibility on both mobile and desktop devices. A modular system architecture with simulated API-based data retrieval was adopted to emulate real-time pricing and product availability. System performance was evaluated using functional and performance testing metrics, including response time, price accuracy, and user experience. The results indicate that the system provides a fast, reliable, and user-friendly interface for price comparison, contributing to improved transparency and consumer trust in online shopping. This study highlights the effectiveness of web-based price comparison systems in enhancing consumer decision-making and promoting efficiency within e-commerce ecosystems.

Nine (9) Coastal communities of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State was assessed, in each of the community two soil samples were obtained, giving a total of Eighteen (18) samples. These samples were Analysed using NaI(Ti) Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy at the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority. The mean values of the activity concentration of the radioisotopes varied 73.63 -128.18 with a mean value of 121.87±50.53, 2.60 to 27.05 with mean value of 10.14±7.28 and 4.59 to 7.45 mean value of 6.32±1.03 for 40K,238U and 232Th respectively. The Gamma index ranged from 0.06 to 0.24 with a mean value of 0.122±0.05. The external hazard (Hex) ranged from 0.04 to 0.14 with mean value of 0.08±0.03. The internal hazard (Hin) varied from 0.05 to 0.13 with mean value of 0.10±0.05. The absorbed dose varied from 7.04 nGy/h to 25.5 nGy/h with mean value of 13.58±5.47. The annual effective dose equivalent varied from 0.01 mSv/y to 0.03 mSv/y with mean value of 0.02±0.01 mSv/y. The gonadal dose varied from 50.34 to 179.45 mSv/y with mean value of 96.02±38.30 mSv/y. The excess life cancer risk ranged from 0.03x10- 3 to 0.11x10-3 with a mean value of 0.06±0.02x10-3 . The activity Utilization index ranged from 0.09 to 0.34 with a mean value of 0.18±0.07. The Radiological Hazard Indices and Dose Parameters are within the safe limits. Therefore, the populace of the study area is radiologically free, and soil samples of the Coastal communities of Okrika can be utilize as building materials.

This study investigates the effect of gas flaring on heat and soil around the Agbada flow station Rivers State, Nigeria. The study adopted the completely randomized block design (CRBD). Ambient air quality was measured at four stations using the Aeroqual 500 Series Gas Monitor, GT 321 Particulate Meter, GPS, Extech Meteorology Meter, and measuring tape to assess pollutants. The study revealed that Station 1 (Upstream) recorded the highest CO₂ (613 ppm), temperature (34.0°C), and wind direction (WS 520), indicating it’s the hottest location. Station C (Life Camp) recorded the highest PM2.5 (0.011 μg/m³), PM10 (0.016 μg/m³), and O₃ (0.03 μg/m³), indicating highest air impurity. The Control site recorded the highest levels of NO₂ (0.090 μg/m³), noise (58.1 dBA), wind speed (2.0 m/s), and relative humidity (78.1%), suggesting the influence of external anthropogenic activities like vehicular emissions, and environmental factors like microclimatic conditions unrelated to direct gas flaring activities. The study found that Ammonia (0.200 μg/m³) and Carbon Dioxide (575.67 μg/m³) exceeded WHO limits of 0.53 μg/m³, and 462 μg/m³ respectively, indicating emissions from gas flaring, posing risks of soil acidification and long-term soil fertility decline. It was also found that Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) recorded a high mean concentration (575.67 μg/m³), exceeding the control (527 μg/m³) and WHO limits (462 μg/m³), making it the dominant heat-contributing gas. The study recommended that government institute environmental management and intervention measures such as gas capture and utilization, flaring reduction technology, regular air quality monitoring, and planting a temperature resistant plant like Lantana, to mitigate the emission and absorption of the excess CO2, which hampers the goal of safeguarding environmental and public health around the environs of the Agbada Flow Station.

Business education occupies a critical intersection between economic development and social equity. This article examines the global and societal challenges confronting business education systems worldwide, with particular attention to issues of access, inclusivity, curriculum relevance, digital transformation, and graduate employability. Drawing on contemporary literature in education policy, business pedagogy, and human capital theory, the article argues that business education must be reconceptualized as a vehicle for building both skilled and inclusive societies. The analysis highlights how systemic inequalities, technological disruption, and rapidly evolving labor market demands are reshaping the imperatives of business education. The article concludes that an equity-centered approach to business education is not merely a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for national and global competitiveness. Suggestions are offered for policymakers, institutions, and educators seeking to align business education with the broader goals of sustainable development, social justice, and economic participation for all.

The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) is a central component of Nigeria’s oiland-gas sector, refining crude oil into vital products and thereby contributing significantly to national energy security and economic development. Yet, its operations also entail substantial environmental burdens, among them noise pollution, which can impose serious health and well-being risks on workers and surrounding communities. This study aims to quantitatively assess noise-pollution levels around the PHRC oil-refinery complex in Rivers State, Nigeria, employing geospatial (GIS) methods to map sound-pressure distributions in the immediate area. Using a calibrated sound-level meter, we measured noise levels (dB (A)) at radial distances of 0 m (at the source), 5 m, 10 m, 15 m, 20 m, 25 m, 30 m, 35 m, 40 m, 45 m and 50 m from both PHRC New and Old plant units, at a consistent measurement height of 1.5 m above ground in accordance with ISO 8297: 1994. Geographical coordinates of each measurement point were collected, and contour maps of soundpressure levels were generated using GIS software to identify spatial noise “hotspots”. Key findings reveal peak noise levels of approximately 105.8 dB (A) at the Old Plant’s source point and 102.0 dB (A) at the New Plant, followed by a steady decline in intensity with distance. At 30 m radial distance, readings dropped to approximately 66-69 dB (A), and at 50 m to ~40 dB (A). Many points within 0–20 m of the plants exceeded Nigeria’s industrial noise limit of ~85 dB (A) (National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency regulation) and therefore constitute high-exposure zones. GIS‐based contour maps enabled clear visualisation of the spatial spread of noise, with the highest exposure zones clustered around the plant perimeters. These elevated noise levels carry important implications: for refinery workers, the risk of hearing damage, stress, and sleep disturbances is elevated; for nearby residential communities, the ambient noise may disrupt daily life, raise cardiovascular risk and reduce quality of life. From a policy perspective, the findings underscore the need for continuous monitoring of industrial noise, use of GIS mapping for targeted mitigation, and the development of comprehensive noise-management strategies in refinery contexts.