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Appraisal Of Maintenance Conditions Of Residential Buildings In Housing Development Corporation Estates In Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFResidents always seek to change the use and extend the lives of their buildings by remodelling, modifying or abandoning occupied buildings in the extreme cases of dilapidation. Enugu has faced high building maintenance needs that require the synergy of both residents and facility providers as the needs of the residents would not be met at the rate of population increase. This study aims to appraise the maintenance conditions of physical elements of residential buildings and infrastructure in Housing Development Corporation estates in the Enugu metropolis to improve on the building maintenance framework that could influence design concepts of public residential buildings. The survey design method was applied and it focused on four public residential buildings of ESHDC estates in the Enugu metropolis. After stratification of the estates, based on their ages and simple balloting, occupied buildings were selected for this research. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to test differences between the variables Maintenance Conditions of Residential Buildings (MCRB) in ESHDC of Enugu Metropolis V51 (ordinal) and V52 (Nominal). With p<0.05, the study found there was a significant difference between the maintenance conditions of the buildings in the four housing estates investigated. The policy implication of these findings was that for improved building maintenance conditions, efforts should be made to spread across all the buildings by both residents of the estates and ESHDC as implementation would likely be easier for the desired higher commitment to building and infrastructure maintenance. 
Electricity Use For Hotel Facilities In Kebbi State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe world is shifting to using renewable energy sources, largely to mitigate climate change. In addition, the uncertainty in the global oil and gas sector is pushing Nigeria’s policy to diversify into other sectors like tourism and recreation to develop the economy. Some non-oil producing states in Nigeria especially, are looking at the hotel industry as a viable diversification option. However, this sector requires energy as the backbone of its operations and these facilities are located in energy-poor states where the most prevalent mode of backup power supply is by using diesel generators. To plan a shift to a cleaner energy supply, it is important to have accurate information on the energy consumption patterns of these tourism facilities. This research aims to evaluate electricity consumption and supply patterns in hotels in a non-oil-producing state in northern Nigeria. The methodology involves conducting energy audits in three selected facilities, which are classified as small, medium, and large in Kebbi state. Analyses on demand versus supply, energy disaggregation, and energy use intensity were conducted. The results show that none of the facilities has a renewable electric energy supply. All three hotels have their energy demand higher than the energy supplied with a 5% energy supply deficit in the case of the large and medium facilities, and up to 23% deficit for the small facility. The consumption is disaggregated into HVAC loads, plug loads, water supply loads and lighting loads with each factor having an average percentage of energy consumption of 58%, 18%, 18% and 6% respectively which is met solely with electricity. An annual Energy Use Intensity of 145.21kWh/m2, 380.19kWh/m2 and 232.40kWh/m2 is calculated for the small, medium and large facilities respectively, with an average value of 166kWh/m2. The results show a clear indication of the need for an energy efficiency intervention to match supply to demand. 
Land Deformation In The Informal Land Sector: Advocating For Stakeholders’ Intervention
Get PDFLand deformation is any process that has an impact on the size, shape or even the volume of an area. It is usually proportional to the type of stress exerted on the land. This paper aims to look into land deformation in the informal land sector thereby, advocating for the need for stakeholders\u27 intervention in some unethical practices that induce land deformation. The paper intends to create awareness of the dangers of some unethical practices that induce it and the solutions as well. A total of 120 questionnaires were distributed among some selected literate dwellers in these communities and some physical contacts were made. Out of the questionnaires distributed, only 95 responded. These 95 filled questionnaires were used for the analysis in this study. The questionnaire comprises of questions focused on unregulated groundwater extraction, effects of the absence of a drainage system, movement of heavy-duty trucks in vulnerable areas, cattle trampling in vulnerable areas, mining of stones from vulnerable areas and deforestation. Analysis of the questionnaire results was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The responses were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) and the Keiser-Meyer Olkin test was used to check the sampling adequacy. It was discovered that all the matrices’ tables displayed unitary results. The unitary matrices show that the questionnaires were enough and the distributions as well as the respondents were enough for this study. However, the general results showed that uncontrollable quarrying defames the land and exposes it to erosion, 92.6% of the respondents agreed with the fact that there has been continuous felling down of trees in the communal land sector. Only about 53.2% agreed that cattle grazing is responsible for land deformation. 90.4% affirmed that there is the presence of excessive groundwater drilling in the communal land. The practice of selling, or erecting buildings or structures on susceptible paths has contributed so much to the deformation of the land as 76.9% of the respondents affirmed that. 64.2% agreed that the absence of a drainage system could cause land surface deformation. These responses explained why these landowners never paid attention to the construction of drainages before selling or leasing their lands to either developers or prospective buyers. It is therefore recommended that the government and stakeholders strictly enforce the development laws on these communities.  
Ageing In Place: Exploring The Housing Situations Of The Elderly In Traditional And Transitional Areas In Oyo Town, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study explored the housing situations of the elderly in traditional and transitional areas in Oyo town towards enhancing ageing in place. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The purposive sampling technique was used to choose one (1) traditional area and one (1) transitional area while snowballing was used to select 60 elderly and their houses in each of the chosen areas of study. A structured questionnaire and an observation checklist adopted from the standardized Housing Enabler Instrument were utilised to obtain data for the study. All 120 copies of the questionnaire forms and observation checklists administered were retrieved and analysed using frequency distribution, percentage, sum score and cross-tabulation. Results showed that a majority of the elderly in the traditional and transitional areas have not spent more than 20 years in their current house. Also, the majority of the elderly live with their families and own their houses. The elderly in the traditional area predominantly live in rooming apartments while those in the transitional area predominantly live in blocks of flats. Significantly, the houses of the elderly possess poor physical characteristics unfavourable to ageing in place, although, more of these poor characteristics were found in the traditional area. The study recommends that to promote ageing in place, housing interventions should take into account the varied situations of the elderly in different contexts and settings. Also, to successfully age in place, the elderly should be encouraged to live with family members, the elderly should be supported to own a house, and poor physical housing characteristics should be eliminated, or reduced to the barest minimum
Turning Crisis Into Opportunity: The Role Of Covid-19 Induced Online Learning In Promoting Sustainability At The University Of Lagos
Get PDFThis research looks at the transformative function of online learning in improving sustainability in higher education, with a particular focus on Masters in Environmental Design (MED) Architecture students of the University of Lagos in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was used to combine quantitative survey data and qualitative interviews to acquire a thorough knowledge of how online education affects sustainability efforts in higher education institutions. According to survey results, students are aware of the potential of online learning to reduce the environmental imprint of traditional education, cut prices, and improve accessibility. Students\u27 impressions are based on observable decreases in carbon emissions, economic efficiency, and enhanced educational access. Qualitative interviews with students from several faculties indicate a range of experiences, from data prices and connectivity issues to the benefits of digitised learning materials and better time management. The study finds that online learning has the potential to play a critical role in higher education sustainability strategies. To realise this promise, focused initiatives to solve issues such as price, connection, and online course quality are required. Infrastructure investments, educator training, financial assistance, technical improvements, multidisciplinary collaboration, policy refinement, sustainability initiative growth, and a commitment to continuous development are among the recommendations. Online learning goes beyond crisis reaction to provide a chance for innovation and redesigning higher education by combining accessibility with environmental responsibility. The instance of the University of Lagos offers an example of how online education may energise sustainability efforts and alter the future of higher education
Land Use Planning As An Adaptation Strategy For Combatting Climate Change Risks And Vulnerabilities In Awka Capital Territory (ACT)
Get PDFClimate change has become the most significant worry of the globe today. Although an appreciable level of knowledge has been available concerning its causes, risks and vulnerabilities, there is the problem, especially in the developing countries of the world, of effectively confronting strategies to mitigate the severity of its consequences or even their prevention. Problems abound with adaptation to its associated disasters, especially in settled areas. This paper addresses this by looking at how effective land use planning in Awka Capital Territory of Anambra State, which suffers from annual flooding caused by its topographic features, population growth, improper urban land use planning, deforestation and rapid land cover changes, misuse of wetlands, poor road development and poor urban governance practice can help to mitigate the consequences of flooding and help people adapt to it when it occurs. Against the current unsustainable land use planning practice, recommendations were made as to the critical issues that should be considered to achieve sustainable mitigation and adaptation to flooding in the Territory
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) And Real Estate Practice: Estate Surveying And Valuation Firms\u27 Perspective
Get PDFThis study investigates the awareness, utilisation, and impact of Geographic Information Systems in the real estate services offered by estate surveying and valuation firms in Akure, Nigeria. The purpose is to bridge the gap between GIS awareness and practical implementation among real estate professionals, providing valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers. The study focuses on Akure, the capital city of Ondo State, employing census sampling to obtain data from 26 estate surveying and valuation firms. We used a structured questionnaire to gather information on the awareness of GIS, its utilisation in service provision, and the perceived impact on overall service quality. Frequency distribution, weighted mean score, and Spearman\u27s rank correlation were employed to analyse the data. Findings reveal a remarkable awareness of GIS among estate surveyors and valuers, but a significant gap exists between understanding and practical implementation. While respondents demonstrated a positive correlation between GIS and estate services, the actual utilisation of GIS in practice was lower than anticipated. Specific areas, like real estate marketing, showed higher GIS integration than property management and land use charge administration. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by shedding light on GIS utilisation in the real estate sector in Akure, Nigeria. The study emphasises the need for increased awareness, training programmes, and collaborative initiatives to enhance the practical integration of GIS in real estate services. The findings hold significance for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers aiming to promote the effective use of GIS in the dynamic landscape of estate surveying and valuation
Viable Entrepreneurship In Nigeria: The Art Of Manual Printing In Textile Design
Get PDFAttractions to most fabrics are mostly based on the surface designs. In textile design, some techniques are employed to beautify fabrics for instance; dyeing, printing, painting, embroidery, weaving, and other manual and industrial finishes. Most of these could be achieved manually, for example: by printing on fabrics. A piece of acquired knowledge in textile printing is quite encouraging and could be practised for wealth creation. It could also help some become employers of labour by setting up small cottage industries. This study is predicated on the fact that manual printing offers entrepreneurship and skill acquisition potentials which enable people to be self-reliant and self-employed. This has not been given adequate awareness especially, among the youth and scholars. This paper showcases how this particular technique in textile design could be practised by working on some samples of printed fabrics in the studio and also documents how a simple printing studio could be set up. This is qualitative research. It employed studio exploration as the research design and photography as the research instrument to collect some data and adopted the theories of diffusion of Innovation, social network, institutionalism and creative economy for analysis. This study found that printing in textiles has been identified as an art that offers great skills that could stamp out poverty when practised professionally. It recommends that the printing of fabrics should be given more attention since some of the textile industries in Nigeria have gone moribund. Thus, this paper concludes that simple inexpensive printing studios be set up as cottage industries by designers and artists instead of waiting to work in a fully automated industry
Analysis Of The Effect Of Population Growth On Land Surface Temperature In Lokoja Metropolis
Get PDFUnderstanding the impact of population growth on trends in Land Surface Temperature (LST) necessitates a comprehensive examination of changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC). As populations expand, various land covers undergo alterations to meet escalating demands. This study seeks to evaluate the hypothesis that population growth influences LST trends. Population data for Lokoja spanning 1991-2021, sourced from the United Nations World Population Review, was analyzed alongside LULC changes utilizing Landsat 5TM, 7ETM+, and Landsat 9 OLI/TIRS images. Five classes—Built-up areas, Vegetation, Waterbodies, Rock outcrops, and Bare land surface—were classified to signify population growth and changes. LST trends were derived using the Radiative Transfer Method, with yearly averages calculated. Analysis revealed a remarkable urban growth of over 200% in Lokoja from 1991 to 2021, juxtaposed with a declining natural vegetation cover of -18%. Built-up areas showed commensurate growth, driven by increased housing demand. Regression analysis confirmed a significant relationship between population growth and LST trends (multiple R = 0.905), with strong coefficients indicating this association. The study underscores the substantial population increase and consequential land cover alterations in the region, alongside observable shifts in LST trends. Notably, built-up areas emerged as prominent contributors to LST, prompting recommendations for the adoption of reflective roofing materials to mitigate urban heat islands and the preservation of green spaces to counterbalance urbanization effects
Users’ Visit And Evaluation Of Micro-Open Spaces In Federal College Of Forestry, Jos Plateau State
Get PDFOpen space is a space within tertiary institutions used by the staff, students and visitors for social interactions, recreation, and relaxation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors that influence users’ level of satisfaction during visits to micro-open spaces within the Federal College of Forestry, Jos and the expectations they have about its general environmental portrait. It utilized structured questionnaires and observation techniques to obtain primary data from users’. A purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-one micro, open spaces in the study area. A total of 230 questionnaires were distributed, 196 were retrieved representing 85.23%, used for final analysis. Tables, percentages, photographs and relative satisfaction index (RSI) were used to present the results of the research. The study revealed that visits to the micro-open spaces are for personal studies or academic group study, socializing and making use of the internet network Findings further revealed that parking spaces for bikes and bicycles used by students are inadequate. The study therefore recommends that more infrastructures be installed in the micro-open spaces.