ABSTRACT
Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, and early detection through breast self-examination (BSE) has proven to be an effective preventive measure. This study examined the attitudes and practices of breast self-examination among female undergraduates in Emuoha Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The objectives were to assess the level of awareness, attitude, and frequency of BSE practice, and to identify factors influencing students’ participation in the exercise. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of female undergraduate students selected through simple random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and means, and the results were presented in tables. The findings revealed that although most respondents had adequate awareness and positive attitudes toward BSE, only a small proportion practiced it regularly and correctly. Major barriers identified included forgetfulness, lack of knowledge of proper technique, fear of detecting a lump, and negligence. The study further found that students in higher levels of study demonstrated better knowledge and practice compared to those in lower levels, suggesting the influence of educational exposure. Despite their awareness of breast cancer risks and the importance of early detection, many respondents had not integrated BSE into their regular health routines. The study concluded that while awareness and attitudes toward BSE among female undergraduates are encouraging, actual practice remains low. It recommends continuous health education, practical demonstrations, inclusion of breast health in university orientation programs, and the use of peer and media-based interventions to promote consistent practice. Strengthening these strategies will enhance early detection of breast abnormalities and contribute to reducing breast cancer

ABSTRACT
Water pollution is a worldwide issue caused by human interference with nature. The physicochemical variables of water samples of the New Calabar River, Choba section were studied to develop guideline data on the pollution status. Water samples were obtained from three stations based on effluent characteristics. The physicochemical characteristics were analysed using standard conventional techniques. The findings showed the difference concentrations of selected physicochemical parameters with the use of one- way ANOVA to analyze the results in three locations. During the study, the physicochemical parameters of surface water in wet and dry seasons were measured using standard methods for temperature, total dissolved solids, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chemical oxygen demand, and nitrate. The results showed that temperature varied between 27.90a ± 0.97 and 29.02 ± 1.71a ℃ across the stations and in both seasons with a mean TDS of 172.52 ±2.43 which is significantly different across stations and between the seasons. Turbidity recorded the highest value of 22.98a ± 12.66 NTU in station 1. All the values recorded in the three station in both dry and wet season were above the permissible limit. Higher and lower conductivity value of 474.03±5.37a and 279.17±5.92c µS/CM was recorded in station 1 and 3 during the dry season. pH of surface water varied from 7.08± 0.27b to 8.53±0.22a Mg/l in the two seasons while a higher salinity was recorded during the dry season across the stations. DO ranged from 5.53c ± 0.88 to 6.65±0.24a mg/l across the stations and in both seasons. Others were COD that ranged from 120.02±2.36c to 223.02±5.67a mg/kg in both seasons. Turbidity and nitrate were above the WHO and NESREA permissible limit. There was a seasonal variation between the dry and wet season in most of the parameters studied. This study has shown that despite the visibility anthropogenic activities in the study area, the surface water is still

ABSTRACT
This study investigated the adoption, perceived usefulness, and impact of Canva on innovative learning outcomes among undergraduate students in Nigerian universities, aiming to understand how digital visual design tools can enhance creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and visual literacy in higher education. Employing a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 200 undergraduate students across selected public and private universities using a structured questionnaire comprising sixteen items measuring Canva adoption, perceived usefulness, and innovative learning outcomes on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the instrument was ensured through expert review for face and content validity, while reliability was confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 0.70. Descriptive analyses, including mean and standard deviation, revealed high levels of Canva adoption and perceived usefulness, alongside moderately high innovative learning outcomes among respondents. Inferential analyses using Pearson correlation demonstrated a strong positive relationship between Canva adoption and innovative learning outcomes (r = 0.624, p < 0.05), and a significant positive influence of perceived usefulness on innovative learning outcomes (r = 0.672, p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of both null hypotheses. The findings indicate that students’ engagement with Canva, coupled with their perception of its academic value, significantly contributes to enhanced creative and innovative competencies in learning. The study recommends that Nigerian universities integrate Canva and similar digital tools into curricula, provide training to enhance digital literacy, and ensure adequate institutional support, to foster innovative learning environments that prepare students for the demands of the digital age.