Radiyat Najeem, Zoology - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

The rapid expansion of aquaculture has raised significant environmental concerns about the discharge of nutrient-rich wastewater, particularly phosphate (PO₄³⁻), which can drive eutrophication in receiving water bodies. This study investigates the potential of charcoal from the tamarind tree, characterized by a point of zero charge (PZC) at pH of 9.41 and rich in oxygen functional groups, as an effective adsorbent for phosphate removal from aquaculture effluent. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of charcoal dosages (0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0%, and 4.0% of the synthetic wastewater volume) on PO₄³⁻ removal efficiency and adsorption capacity in wastewater with an initial PO₄³⁻ concentration of 90.56 mg/L. The study revealed that PO₄³⁻ removal efficiency increased slightly with increasing charcoal dose, while adsorption capacity decreased. The charcoal doses of 2.0% and 4.0% achieved removal efficiencies of 26% and 24.4%, respectively compared to the 23.8% achieved at 0.5% charcoal dose. However, the high adsorption capacity of 2.49 mg/g was achieved at a 0.5% charcoal dose, compared to 0.68 and 0.32 mg/g at 2% and 4% charcoal doses, respectively. The effect of 0.5% charcoal was further studied in real aquaculture wastewater with initial PO₄³⁻ of 20.15 mg/L (autoclaved) and 25.38 mg/L (unautoclaved) and found to remove 49.38% and 66.77% of PO₄³⁻ from autoclaved and unautoclaved aquaculture wastewater, respectively. These findings underscore the viability of charcoal as a sustainable, cost-effective adsorbent for treating aquaculture wastewater.

Ruqayyah Tajudeen Ayomiposi, Aminu Salisu Ibrahim, and Asokere Yinlote Sonayon, Computer Engineering - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This project presents the design and implementation of a four degree-of-freedom (4-DOF) robotic arm capable of performing basic pick-and-place operations under manual joystick control. The system was developed using readily available and cost-effective components, including an Arduino Uno R3 microcontroller, four servo motors, and a dual-axis joystick module, with the objective of demonstrating fundamental robotic manipulation principles in an educational setting. The mechanical structure consists of a base, shoulder, elbow, and gripper joint, each driven by a dedicated servo motor that responds to pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals generated by the Arduino platform. The joystick module provides analog voltage inputs along the X and Y axes, which are read, processed and translated into corresponding servo angular positions in real time. The system architecture was designed following a modular approach, enabling independent testing and debugging of each subsystem before full integration. Kinematic considerations were applied during the design phase to ensure adequate workspace coverage for the intended manipulation tasks. A comprehensive testing program was carried out, encompassing unit testing of individual components, integration testing of the assembled hardware, system-level testing under simulated operational conditions, and usability evaluation by end users. The results demonstrate that the implemented robotic arm successfully achieves reliable, smooth and responsive motion across all four degrees of freedom. The system exhibits acceptable precision for educational and small-scale automation applications, though limitations in load capacity and lack of autonomous control were identified. The project contributes a replicable low-cost robotic platform suitable for reinforcing robotics and embedded systems concepts and establishes a foundation for future enhancements such as sensor integration, autonomous control algorithms and computer vision-based task execution.

Matawal David Mcquin, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2026

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among Nigerian men, with significantly higher incidence and mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa compared to developed countries. Late presentation due to poor awareness, harmful misconceptions, and inadequate screening practices contributes to poor survival outcomes. Despite the rising burden, knowledge and perceptions of prostate cancer remain poorly documented in rural northern Nigerian communities, where geographical, socioeconomic, and cultural barriers to healthcare access are most pronounced. A community-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 177 men aged 40-70 years residing in Shika community between January and February 2026. Participants were selected using multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from previous studies and administered in English with Hausa interpretation. Data analysis was done using statistical package for social sciences-SPSS version 27.0. The mean age of respondents was 53.46±8.614 years. More than half (53.1%) demonstrated poor knowledge of prostate cancer, with a mean knowledge score of 5.2±5.6. Over half (52.5%) had negative perceptions toward prostate cancer, with a mean perception score of 22.3±10.1. Educational status (p<0.05), occupation (p<0.05), and monthly income (p<0.05) were significantly associated with perception. Radio was the dominant health information source (50.8%), followed by social media (18.1%) and health professionals (14.1%). Fisher's exact test revealed significant associations between radio use and both better knowledge levels (Cramer's V=0.358, p<0.05) and more positive perceptions (Cramer's V=0.330, p<0.05), indicating moderate strength of association. Men in Shika community demonstrated poor knowledge and predominantly negative perceptions regarding prostate cancer, compounded by widespread dangerous misconceptions about spiritual causation, sexual transmission, and traditional cure.

Bashir Khalid Yusuf, Community Medicine - Ahmadu Bello University, 2026

Oral health is a fundamental component of general health and quality of life. Despite global efforts to promote preventive oral healthcare, oral diseases remain highly prevalent, particularly among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. Adolescence represents a critical period for establishing lifelong health behaviours. This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of oral hygiene among senior secondary school students in Tudun Wada, Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 senior secondary school students selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire that assessed socio-demographic characteristics and KAP regarding oral hygiene. Knowledge, attitude, and practice were scored using standardised criteria. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics were generated, and associations were tested using chi-square and logistic regression analyses at a 5% level of significance. The mean age of respondents was 16.36 ± 1.65 years, with 61.6% males. Overall, 47.8% had poor knowledge, 28.3% moderate knowledge, and 23.9% good knowledge of oral hygiene. Regarding attitude, 58.7% were neutral, 25.4% negative, and only 15.9% had a positive attitude toward oral hygiene. Although 92.8% agreed that teeth should be brushed twice daily, only 63.8% practiced twice daily brushing, and just 10.9% reported regular annual dental visits. Overall, 58.0% demonstrated good oral hygiene practice. Gender was significantly associated with knowledge (p=0.007) and practice (p=0.001). Females were more likely to have good oral hygiene practice (AOR=3.45, p=0.005). Regular dental visits were also significant predictors of good practice (AOR=0.12 for irregular visits, p=0.008). Despite relatively positive attitudes, significant gaps exist in knowledge and preventive practices, particularly regarding regular dental visits. School-based oral health education and strengthened preventive dental services are recommended to improve oral hygiene behaviours among adolescents.

Aisha Umaima Ahmad, Mass Communication - Bayero University, Kano, 2026

This study investigates the effectiveness of radio as a medium of social advocacy in addressing child begging, using Rahma Radio's enlightenment program in Kano State as a case study. The research focused on examining how Rahma Radio addresses child begging in its programs and reports, finding out the level of audience awareness of the station's coverage of child begging, assessing the effectiveness of Rahma Radio's enlightenment programs in influencing audience attitudes towards child begging, and making recommendations to Rahma Radio, other media houses, and relevant stakeholders on ways of strengthening radio advocacy against child begging in Kano State. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, with data collected through structured questionnaires administered to one hundred and forty-five randomly selected listeners and residents of Kano metropolis, as well as five in-depth interviews conducted with staff members of Rahma Radio directly involved in program production and presentation. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was employed for the qualitative interview data. Findings reveal that Rahma Radio enjoys a high level of listenership, with a large majority of respondents indicating they listen to the station and most having heard the station discuss or report about child begging. The study also shows that the station addresses child begging primarily through news reports, religious programs, and educational enlightenment segments, rather than through a single dedicated program. Importantly, an overwhelming majority of respondents consider child begging a very serious social problem, and a significant majority agreed that Rahma Radio's programs influence people's attitudes toward child begging. The study further shows that an overwhelming majority of respondents expressed support for Rahma Radio creating a specific program dedicated to addressing child begging. The study concludes that radio is an effective medium for social advocacy and public enlightenment on child begging, with Rahma Radio playing a significant role in raising awareness, educating the public, and shaping attitudes toward the issue. It recommends that Rahma Radio develop a dedicated program on child begging, enhance audience engagement through interactive platforms, collaborate with government agencies and non-governmental organizations, and carefully address cultural and religious sensitivities when framing advocacy messages.