Abstract:
In the present day, a substantial number of school buildings, originally intended to facilitate learning, teaching, and extracurricular activities, have become outdated, posing significant challenges to fulfilling the educational requirements of 21st-century learners. Many of the public secondary school hostel structures in Niger State were constructed during the colonial era, rendering them antiquated and unfit for human habitation due to their advanced state of disrepair. This research endeavors to assess the efficacy of public secondary school hostel buildings in Niger State.
Employing a quantitative methodology, the study distributed structured questionnaires to both hostel facility managers and upper-grade student occupants. Among the 218 questionnaires disseminated, 187 were successfully collected, achieving a response rate of 85.32%. The data collected underwent analysis using descriptive statistical techniques, including the Relative Importance Index (RII), Percentile calculations, and ranking methodologies.
The investigation unveiled that out of the identified 37 variables, 11 variables (representing 29.73%) demonstrate favorable conditions and performance, obviating the need for immediate maintenance. Conversely, 16 variables (43.24%) manifest moderate condition and performance levels, while 10 variables (27.03%) exhibit poor condition and performance.
Moreover, the study ascertained that occupants express contentment with the state and performance of 6 variables, dissatisfaction with 10 variables, and moderate satisfaction with 21 variables. Furthermore, a weak correlation (13.25%) emerged between the level of building performance attributes and the level of user satisfaction, indicating a positive but limited statistical relationship between the two sets of variables.
In summation, the research indicates that 70.27% of the variables exhibit performance-related issues necessitating prompt intervention or maintenance. Additionally, 83.78% of the components are found to be in a dissatisfactory state. While the connection between these factors is weak, the positive value implies that as the hostel conditions evolve, occupants’ satisfaction levels will also experience corresponding changes.
Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of effective building performance evaluation and maintenance management practices for public secondary school hostel buildings, aimed at enhancing comfort and conditions for users. Regular inspections and maintenance activities are advised, with adequate funding allocated to support these endeavors. Furthermore, the study proposes conducting periodic Building Performance Evaluations (BPEs) to guide professionals in cost-effective designs for similar future construction projects.
Assessment of the Operational Efficiency of Hostel Facilities in Public Secondary Schools, GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
