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Fire Prevention In Residential Buildings In Nigeria: Issues And Recommendations
Get PDFFire outbreaks in public buildings have become a major concern in Nigeria in recent times. There have been several reported cases of fire incidents in public buildings where lives have been lost, and properties and goods worth millions of naira have also been destroyed. The paper discusses some fire outbreaks in some residential buildings in Nigeria with the view to examine fire preventive measures and proffer solutions on the need to improve proactive fire preventive measures through passive as well as active measures. It further notes that a consequence of the interplay of non-adherence to fire safety measures in the design of residential buildings has been a major contributing factor that encourages fire outbreaks. It also pointed out that poor management and lack of maintenance culture have vastly contributed to major fire outbreaks. The methodology involved the qualitative approach and data was collected from the following secondary sources: published journal articles, media reports, scholarly studies on fire prevention, gazetted documents on fire codes, building codes, and other fire prevention documents. The findings of the paper show that even though no one can predict fire outbreaks in residential buildings when concerted efforts are put in place at the design stage of the building and the application of specified fire-rated building materials, it would go a long way in preventing fire outbreaks. The paper further concludes by encouraging adequate maintenance of fire apparatus and accessories installed in buildings and encourages advocacy on the use of approved fire resistance materials on public buildings while ensuring synergy with relevant fire authorities on the changes made to fire-rated materials on public buildings for effective preventive measures in the event of fire outbreak
An Analysis Of The Legal Regimes For Ozone Layer Protection
Get PDFThis paper analysed the vital legal framework governing ozone layer protection, primarily, the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the effective Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The analysis covered the historical context, cooperative arrangements, and the complex interplay of actors in addressing the global challenge of ozone depletion. The study carefully examined the roles of developing and developed nations in implementing these legal instruments by interrogating the Canadian, South African and Nigerian contexts. It provided nuanced insight into their diverse approaches and problems faced at the national level. The research revealed the significant stride of the Montreal Protocol in curbing ozone-depleting substances. However, persistent challenges and emerging environmental threats such as global warming and climate change underscore the need for continued global efforts. The paper emphasized the need for continued international cooperation to ensure that the ozone layer fully recovers. It concluded by acknowledging the strides already made towards international cooperation while emphasising the urgency of collective action to address emerging challenges and evolving environmental concerns for a healthier planet
Effect Of Implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) On Building Project Delivery In The Nigerian Construction Industry
Get PDFTotal Quality Management (TQM) is a management approach to long-term success through customer satisfaction. All members of the organisation are usually involved although the management team are involved in the final decision. Due to the fragmented nature of the construction industry and the involvement of many stakeholders, the concept of TQM is a challenging issue despite the aim of TQM to ensure improvement in the quality of the end product. Thus, this study intends to assess the barriers to the implementation of TQM for building project delivery. A total of fifty-one (51) Questionnaires were administered to participants with years of experience in construction projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design was adopted. Data obtained based on the stratified random sampling technique were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 using descriptive statistical tools. The population of the study comprises Quantity Surveyors, Architects, Engineers and Builders. The findings of the study revealed that the construction professionals in Lagos State Nigeria have started demonstrating strong interest in implementing TQM in each of the applicable areas of building project delivery. However, to achieve full implementation of TQM practices, the study revealed that the top management is the major catalyst of the implementation of TQM. As a result, they should be willing to show a strong commitment to the adoption of TQM. This can be achieved by enrolling their employees on TQM training programs. Furthermore, the study showed that implementing TQM will result in better client satisfaction, timely completion of building projects and also reduce cost expenses. 
Periodicity Of Maintenance: A Predictor Of Physical Conditions Of Buildings In Public Secondary Schools, Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria
Get PDFImproved conditions of school buildings play a vital role in achieving the educational goals of every society. There is a growing awareness that the conditions of buildings in public secondary schools in Nigeria are in a deplorable state of infrastructural decay due to poor maintenance practices. However, only a few studies have been done on the most appropriate maintenance approaches to adopt to improve the conditions of buildings in public secondary schools in Onitsha, Nigeria. This study, therefore, sought to to examine the relationship between the periodicity of maintenance and the physical conditions of buildings in the public secondary schools in Onitsha, Nigeria to provide feedback for improved building maintenance operations in the area. The research design for this study is a survey design. Data were obtained through both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data were collected from the academic and non-academic staff and the school maintenance managers through structured questionnaires. The study focused on seven (7) schools chosen from the twenty-three (23) public secondary schools in the study area based on a simple random sampling method. Categorisation s the schools based on ownership structure before the government takeover into church, private and government was the basis for the first stage of stratification. Following the stratification, random sampling by balloting within the different strata was done to obtain the study sample. In the second stage, the number of staff of the selected schools was obtained and sampling size formulae were applied to obtain the number of respondents. Periodicity of maintenance and the physical conditions of buildings were interval scale variables, therefore, the Pearson Product Moment correlation tool was used to test the significance of the relationship. It was established that there is a significant relationship between the periodicity of maintenance and the physical conditions of buildings in the public secondary schools in Onitsha. This shows that the physical conditions of buildings are largely influenced by the periodicity of maintenance operations in the schools. This suggests that an increase in maintenance operations could result in improved condition of buildings in the schools. The study therefore concluded that the Anambra State Government should formulate maintenance policy and strategy and also develop minimum maintenance standards for efficient maintenance operations in public secondary school buildings in the state
Investigating The Practice Relevance Of Contemporary Estate Management Research In Nigeria
Get PDFThe continuous development of membership proficiency is a principal objective of professional bodies. Some of the outcomes of this pursuit are new thinking and new knowledge typically generated, discovered or established by redefining old problems, creating insights and seeking better ways of doing things. These serve to drive proficiency and the advancement of learning. Undeniably, therefore, professions stand to gain from research which appropriately addresses issues of relevance to their functions in society. In this study which focuses on contemporary estate management and valuation research in Nigeria, an online database search was combined with primary data gathering using an empirical survey based on a structured questionnaire administered to estate surveyors and valuers in Benin City. The search and subsequent analysis reveals four main research issues. The first, transaction data inadequacy, is connected with the three others. The next two, valuation variances and valuation inaccuracies are connected with data inadequacy just as the fourth, which is, using an inapt approach to estimate market value in Nigeria’s data-challenged situation, may produce variances and inaccuracies. The minor research issues include land administration and property management. The findings reveal that 69.33% of respondents are aware of research recommendations on the challenges; 70.66% recognise as practice-relevant these data-related issues; and 76.00% regard the researchers’ main recommendations as appropriate. Given the majority of respondents who believe that the issues are practice-relevant, the suggestion is that their resolution has implications for practice, particularly because they concern the profession’s core valuation function for which data availability, accuracy and validity are essential. The conclusion is that the investigated research works are professionally relevant, with the potential to contribute to practice. However, the fact that a central data bank is not yet available suggests that practice is yet to benefit from this research.  
The Impact Of Physical Characteristics On Thermal Performance Of Public Primary School Classrooms In Lagos Metropolis
Get PDFGiven the literature on thermal performance in public schools, the impact of the form/ shape of a building on classrooms’ thermal performance cannot be overemphasized. Since buildings are responsible for almost half of the energy consumed yearly around the world, research targeted at energy savings and thermal comfort are important towards reducing the carbon footprints of buildings on the environment, thereby mitigating climate change effects. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the form(shapes) of primary school building envelopes on the thermal performance of primary school classrooms in Lagos. A sample of 160 classrooms was randomly selected from the various educational districts in each local government within Lagos Metropolis. Also, subjective and objective measurements were carried out according to class II field experiment method and in consonance with the stipulated standards. Pupils showed greater adaptation for heat beyond temperatures recommended by ASHRAE, which is 240C. This can be ascribed to adaptations in the tropics. Of the 11 material types and the bungalow structure, the classrooms with Aluminium roof/ block wall/ metal windows/ cement screed floors had the highest occurrence. Also, the I-shaped form had the highest occurrence of the four typologies found, and the Revit-BIM modelling revealed that the ‘U’ shaped layout was found to be the least in energy loading, hence was most preferable for the tropics. These results have significant implications for stakeholders and the government in the making of climate-sensitive decisions for the construction of new school buildings
Determination Of The Seasonal Variation Of Methane Emission From Ramin Hassan And Ramin Hussain Municipal Solid Waste Disposal Sites In Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed the levels of Methane emission at two (2) municipal solid waste disposal sites in the Kano metropolis. The study was conducted using Crowcon – Gasman “FL” for a period of two seasons of the year (cool dry season - the Harmattan [January 2018] and hot dry season [April 2018]). The monitoring took place in the first three consecutive days of those months. The Crowcon–Gasman "FL" monitoring was carried out during the morning (0700 hours to 1000 hours, local time) and afternoon (1300 hours to 1600 hours, local time). First, for each period, and over the sites the monitoring was carried out at about the centre of each disposal site, and then one each at 100m away from the centre at the four cardinal points (North, East, South, and West). This made a total of five readings per site, per period for each observation day. The monitoring points over disposal sites were labelled as A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5, where A1 is the point at the centre, A2 at the North, A3 at the South, A4 at the West and A5 is the point at the East. The mean of the five readings constituted the average for each site for a day and each period of the month. During the monitoring, the Crowcon – Gasman "FL" was held within 30 to 60 cm above the ground surface. This is because, above 60 cm, methane emission to the atmosphere decreases. The concentration of Methane emission was recorded in percentages (lower explosive limit (LEL)). The results from the two disposal sites showed the mean value of Methane emission which occurred during the hot dry season (24.95%). Following the study, continuous monitoring of Methane emissions from the disposal sites during the hot dry season is recommended
Using Geospatial Data To Identify Opportunities For Renewable Energy Development In Response To Climate Change In Katsina
Get PDFFinding ideal areas for the development of renewable energy has gained more attention as a result of the pressing need to switch to renewable energy sources in response to climate change. This study investigates how geographical data might be a useful tool for spotting developments in renewable energy as a reaction to climate change in Katsina. Potential regions with high renewable energy potential can be discovered in Katsina by utilizing a variety of geospatial data sources, including climate, geography, land use, and population density. These data layers are analysed and overlaid using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to identify areas with the best circumstances for the production of renewable energy, such as high solar irradiation and strong wind speeds, with adequate parameters. The most suitable solutions for each place can be determined by assessing the potential for various renewable energy technologies in these targeted locations. To evaluate the viability of renewable energy projects, additional aspects like land use policies, and environmental restrictions are taken into account. Policymakers, energy planners, and investors can greatly benefit from the findings of this study to strategically deploy funds and advance the development of sustainable renewable energy sources, which will aid in the fight against climate change
Ethical Issues In The Teaching Profession In The Architecture Studio
Get PDFTeaching has been regarded as a profession on its own and thus demands a great deal of professional expertise which may be expressed in a set of ethical principles that constitute a code of quality control for the profession and those who practice it. It is presumed that the method of teaching in the architecture studio can impact the morals exhibited by the students. However, this expectation of getting the right learning behaviours out of the students is far from being met as a result of several issues. This study therefore was intended to determine the ethical issues associated with teaching in the architecture studio with the view to recommending methods for improvement. The study started by establishing a background to the study, where the meaning of ethics, principles of ethics, and the theories and methods of teaching ethics in the architecture studio were discussed. The study went further to examine the issues of ethics and teacher-student relationship in the architecture studio. Data for the study will be gathered through the use of validated questionnaires from a sampled frame of undergraduate studios of the architecture department, at the Federal University of Technology Owerri. Data gathered will be analysed using appropriate statistical tools to describe the effect of the relationship between the teacher and the teaching method of ethics. The study will conclude by recommending methods for improvement. This paper should appeal to every educator in higher education, especially to educators teaching architecture, urban design and planning
Monitoring And Modelling Of Urban Sprawl In Osogbo Metropolis, Using GIS And Remote Sensing
Get PDFRapid urbanization in the world is a major and concerning issue, particularly in emerging nations such as Nigeria, and this has resulted in various environmental issues which urban sprawl is one of. The existing built-up area, land and housing policies, accessible empty land area, existing number of households, demographic parameters, and the nature of the economy, among other factors, all influence urban area expansion. Using Landsat imagery, this study assessed urban sprawl in Osogbo Metropolis, Nigeria; which is in a bid to have a clear understanding of the direction of uncontrolled urban growth in the study area, with a view to proffering best solutions to its evaluation and monitoring. Data obtained through supervised classification were categorized into pre-processed images using different land cover classes. Change detection analysis was used to determine the urban growth areas between the study years (1989-2021) and make a projection for 2029. Findings revealed that the built-up area in 1989, 2002 and 2021 were 6.04%, 21.67 % and 36.42% of the study area, indicating a steady increase in the extent of the built-up area. The study estimated that the built-up area of Osogbo by the year 2029 will be about 75.28km2; an increase of 26.48km2 from the present area of 48.80km2. This study also revealed that the direction of growth in the projected year 2029 is towards the western periphery and the remote pockets located in the southern outskirts of Osogbo. These findings have implications for re-modelling urban sprawl. This study provides a basis for decision makers by enforcing planning standards, constant monitoring exercise, effective land administration and management and involvement of technology at all levels of planning