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The Role Of Mass Media In Combating Environmental Degradation In Jos Plateau State : A Critical Assessment
Get PDFThis paper critically examines the role of mass media (print, broadcast, and digital) in combating these challenges. Leveraging agenda-setting theory and empirical examples, the study highlights how media raise awareness, influence policy, and mobilize communities. Environmental degradation remains one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, resulting in deforestation, desertification, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. This poses urgent developmental and public health threats. While policy responses have been established, their effectiveness largely depends on public awareness and engagement. This paper critically assesses the role of mass media in combating environmental degradation in Nigeria. However, its effectiveness is undermined by underfunding, weak institutional capacity, ownership bias, and security threats to journalists. Drawing on case studies, media content analysis, and scholarly literature, the paper reveals that while the media plays a vital role in environmental communication and public mobilization, its impact is undermined by limited coverage, poor investigative reporting, ownership bias, and weak policy support. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations to enhance media impact in environmental communication that a more strategic, inclusive, and well-funded media approach is essential for sustainable environmental management in Nigeria
Barriers To Smart Building Technology Adoption Through The Lens Of Technology-Organization-Environment (Toe) In Calabar, Nigeria
Get PDFSmart building technologies are new resource that need effective adoption and integration for sustainable development in built environments. This study looked into professionals’ views on barriers to adopting smart building technology, the outcomes for building performance, and how they are connected in Calabar, Nigeria, using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. Mixed-method approach was used to collect data from 60 survey respondents and 12 interview participants, including Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Developers, Facility Managers, and Policymakers. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique to ensure that only professionals directly involved in the design, construction, management, and regulation of buildings were included in the study. The analysis included descriptive statistics, mean ranking, thematic analysis, and a review of policies. The findings revealed five main barriers: High Initial Costs (Mean = 4.63), Lack of Technical Skills (Mean = 4.41), Weak Regulatory Support (Mean = 4.15), Low Public Awareness (Mean = 3.87), and Limited Technology Availability (Mean = 3.72). The results also showed different priorities among professionals: developers concentrate on costs, engineers prioritize technical skills, policymakers deal with regulatory issues, and facility managers focus on maintenance challenges. Mean ranking analysis confirmed these differences among stakeholder groups, showing varied views on adoption barriers. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive links between overcoming barriers, especially through “Skills Development,” “Regulatory Support,” and “Strengthened Supply Chains,” and key building performance outcomes such as “Operational Efficiency,” “Energy Savings,” and “Occupant Satisfaction.” This strongly suggests that tackling economic, technical, and institutional challenges collaboratively will improve the integration and performance of smart buildings in developing cities like Calabar. In conclusion, the study establishes that addressing these barriers is essential to achieving higher efficiency, sustainability, and functionality in the built environment. It is therefore recommended that policymakers strengthen regulatory frameworks, professionals pursue continuous skill development, and developers explore innovative financing models to reduce cost burdens and promote widespread adoption of smart building technologies in Nigeria and similar developing contexts
Stakeholder Demographics And Passive Design Strategies For Energy-Efficient Higher Education Buildings In Hot-Dry Climates: A Case Study Of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study investigates the influence of stakeholder demographics and passive design strategies on the energy performance of higher education buildings in the hot-dry climate of Bauchi, Nigeria. The research is grounded in a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative strategies to capture both the technical performance of passive design features and the perceptions of key stakeholders. Data collection was carried out in selected higher-education buildings in Bauchi, Nigeria, chosen through purposive sampling to reflect diverse architectural typologies and user populations. The Findings reveal that 71% of students lack awareness of the relationship between building design and energy use, while 58% of facility managers’ report insufficient training in energy efficiency. Moreover, only 23% of academic staff had ever participated in sustainability-related decision-making processes. Passive design assessments show that over 80% of existing buildings suffer from poor orientation, inadequate shading, and inefficient ventilation. Passive design assessments show that a majority of existing buildings suffer from poor orientation, inadequate shading, and inefficient ventilation. Questionnaires and on-site observations consistently suggest that improvements such as applying reflective coatings and installing better shading devices could significantly reduce the internal heat gain, leading to a much more comfortable indoor environment. The study recommends an integrated framework combining stakeholder engagement, low-cost passive retrofits, and localized design guidelines. The study recommends an integrated framework combining stakeholder engagement, low-cost passive retrofits, and localized design guidelines. These findings offer actionable pathways for achieving sustainable, energy-efficient educational infrastructure in Sub-Saharan Africa
Climate – Resilient Infrastructure In Nigeria: An Assessment Of Nigeria’s Preparedness For Climate Resilience Events
Get PDFClimate change poses significant challenges to infrastructure systems worldwide, particularly in developing nations like Nigeria, where rapid urbanization and weak institutional frameworks exacerbate vulnerabilities. This paper examines Nigeria’s preparedness for climate-resilient infrastructure by assessing existing policies, implementation strategies, and adaptive capacities. Using a mixed-methods approach, including policy analysis, case studies, and stakeholder interviews, the study evaluates critical infrastructure sectors such as transportation, energy, water supply, and housing. Findings indicate gaps in policy enforcement, inadequate funding, and limited technical expertise as major barriers to resilience. The paper proposes strategic interventions, including policy reforms, climate-smart engineering practices, and increased investment in resilient infrastructure. Strengthening institutional coordination and integrating climate resilience into development planning are crucial for mitigating climate-related disruptions and ensuring sustainable infrastructure in Nigeria
Examining The Effects Of Process Variables On The Tensile And Flexural Properties Of Banana Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites Exposed To Environmental Weathering Action
Get PDFSynthetic fibres (such as glass, carbon, ceramic fibres, etc) which were imported at huge cost could be replaced by natural fibres such as flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, etc. and widely used. In this research work, banana fibre reinforced vinylester matrix composites have been developed by hand layup moulding technique with varying parameters, such as fibre condition (untreated and chemically treated), fibre sizes 10,30 and 50 cm and fibre content (10%, 30% and 50% by weight). The developed banana fibre reinforced composites were then characterized by chemical methods. The results show that tensile strength increases with increase in the fibre size and content; however, after a certain size and fibre content, the tensile strength decreased again. The maximum Tensile strength was 1127N/mm2 at a fibre length of 2.2cm and volume fraction of 36%. The maximum flexural strength was 67.15N/mm2 occurring at 9cm fibre length and 50% vol fraction. The minimum creep strength was 2x10-45-1 occurring at 3.2cm fibre length and 30% vol fraction.  
Facilitating Cassava Processing Through Design Of Functional Factory Spaces: A Case Study Of Selected Factories In South- South Nigeria
Get PDFCassava is a major staple crop in Nigeria and plays a significant role in food security and rural industrialization. Efficient cassava processing is essential to meeting the food and industrial demands of rapidly growing populations in cassava-producing regions. However, the efficiency of cassava processing is often hindered by inadequately designed factory spaces. Small-scale and even medium-scale processors often contend with poorly designed factory spaces that impede productivity, hygiene, and worker safety. This study investigates how functional spatial design can facilitate cassava processing in selected factories within South-South Nigeria. The case study approach, including on-site observations, and interviews. Analysis of architectural layouts, was used to identify spatial design factors that influence processing efficiency, worker productivity, and hygiene. Results revealed that workflow-oriented layouts, environmental comfort, modularity, and integrated utility systems play vital roles in optimizing cassava processing. Findings emphasise that spatial design is not merely supportive but foundational to agro-industrial efficiency. Key recommendations include implementing linear spatial layouts, enhancing ventilation, zoning wet and dry areas, and adopting modular design elements. The study culminates in the development of a prototype layout adapted to local conditions. This research contributes a practical design framework for improving cassava processing infrastructure in Nigeria and can inform policy and development efforts. The study concludes that investment in spatial design directly correlates with processing efficiency, product quality, and sustainability
Challenges To The Design Of Energy Efficient Public Office Buildings In South-East Nigeria
Get PDFBuilding design has become challenging with growing energy efficiency and sustainability concerns. About 40% of the world’s energy is consumed in buildings. The high energy consumption in buildings tends to be more conspicuous in large or corporate buildings. Optimization of energy performance is a crucial factor in any office building design. This study assessed the challenges to the design of energy efficient office buildings in South-East Nigeria with a view to proffering strategies that would enhance building energy efficiency. Quantitative research design was adopted; this involved survey. A total of 226 copies of questionnaire were distributed to registered architects in South-East Nigeria. Using proportionate sampling technique 23, 89, 14, 63 and 166 copies of questionnaire were distributed to Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States respectively. Thirteen (13) variables from the challenges to the design of energy efficient office buildings were studied. Codes (CED-01 to CED-13) were used to represent the variables. Data were analysed using Spearman\u27s rank-order correlation. The findings of the study revealed that the major challenge to the design of energy efficient office buildings in South-East Nigeria is no regulatory framework for achieving energy efficiency in office buildings. This is as attested by 63.5% (105) of the respondents. Based on the findings of the study, there is urgent need for the government to strengthen regulatory frameworks and enforce strict compliance to energy efficiency standards
Challenges and opportunities in the adoption of smart building technologies in Nigeria
Get PDFAs one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria is grappling with rapid urbanisation, inadequate infrastructure, and increasing demands for sustainable development. Smart building technologies, which integrate advanced systems for energy efficiency, security, and automation, offer a potential solution to these challenges by improving the quality of life, reducing operational costs, and promoting environmental sustainability. This study investigates the challenges and opportunities in the adoption of smart building technologies in Nigeria with a focus on Lagos state. Using a qualitative research design with the use of literature reviews, and case study approach, the study examined seven (7) LEED-certified buildings, representing different smart building types and uses in Lagos state, Nigeria. LEED-certified buildings incorporate smart building technologies which are used to assess energy efficiency and occupants’ comfort. The study is guided by the sustainable development framework, which emphasises resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and economic viability in the built environment. Findings revealed from the seven (7) LEED-certified buildings, that the major barriers to smart building technologies are high initial costs, technical knowledge gaps and infrastructure issues while the major opportunities include improvement in operational efficiency, reduction in costs and alignment with global sustainability standards. The study proposes: reduction in the cost of smart building technologies, prioritised technical know-how, infrastructural improvement, and increased investment in smart building technologies. The insights from this study would inform government policies in the adoption of smart building technologies in Nigeria
Post-Occupancy Evaluation Of Thermal Comfort Conditions In Faculty Buildings In Alex-Ekwueme Federal University
Get PDFAchieving thermal comfort in office blocks is a big challenge facing the building industry. High indoor temperatures can negatively impact the health and productivity of office workers. This study investigates the thermal comfort levels of faculty of humanities buildings containing four (4) different departments, with fifty-three (53) offices in Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ebonyi State. A post-occupancy evaluation approach was adopted during the survey, using a mixed research method. The participants answered comfort questions at the same time the indoor and outdoor thermal variables were being measured with data loggers. Results showed that 65% of the occupants were uncomfortable with the indoor thermal environment, with 60 % of the respondents reporting low air inflow as their reason for thermal discomfort. Results further revealed that thermal comfort levels varied significantly across different buildings and spaces. Occupants’ perceptions of thermal comfort were observed to be influenced by factors such as personal demographics, clothing, and activity levels. This paper recommends the adoption of climate-responsive designs to reduce heat gain and improve ventilation in office blocks in tropical climates
The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Climate Resilience: Applications For Architectural Technologists In Southeast Nigeria
Get PDFThere is no gainsaying the role architectural technologists play in determining the nexus between technology and architecture. This intricately specialized role which incorporates the entire lifespan of buildings ensures that buildings remain cost-effective, well-organized and functional. However, the plethora of challenges confronting the Nigerian milieu, which include overwhelming housing deficits, rapid slum purlieus that results in inordinate waste generations, and overall indiscriminate land-use patterns collectively pose a bane to the architectural technologist’s practice. The purpose of this paper is to examine the level of preparedness to tackle issues of decarbonisation and potential challenges for implementation of climatic-resilient architecture. The aim is to ensure that adopting advanced technology speak to providing design and construction solutions that promote climate resilience peculiar to the Nigerian built environment. Survey research method was adopted; wherein structured questionnaires were used to capture quantitative description of developments, and assessments of two (2) research populations, comprising the schools and registered architectural firms. 63 architectural firms and 4 schools offering architectural technology programmes were randomly selected within the zone. The study revealed over 68% of students have not received any formal training in AI, 79% of technologists work in sync with AI using predominantly ChatGPT. This paper recommends that departments and stakeholders engage in proactive co-creation of a systemic framework to reflect the new specialisms of architectural technology and provide the requisite skills required to navigate the challenging work environment and demands characteristic of study area. This should embrace robust application of AI for climate-resilient architecture