ENEMS MICROSYSTEMS RESEARCH SPOT: September 03

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING SANITARY APPLIANCES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION BUILDING IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study examines the multifaceted factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution buildings in Nigeria. Sanitary appliances, including toilets, sinks, showers, and related plumbing infrastructure, are indispensable components of campus infrastructure, essential for maintaining hygiene and creating a conducive learning environment. The state of these appliances can significantly impact the well-being of students, staff, and the broader academic community. The factors influencing the condition and functionality of sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institutions are diverse and interrelated. Aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance practices, unreliable water supply, and poorly designed plumbing systems contribute to the deterioration of sanitary appliances. Challenges in waste management, insufficient sewage systems, and waste disposal practices can lead to blockages and environmental contamination. Additionally, the lack of awareness about proper hygiene and sanitation practices among users, coupled with budget constraints, further exacerbates these issues. Institutional management practices, such as facility management and budget allocation, play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Compliance with regulatory standards and codes is essential for ensuring the safety and quality of sanitary appliances. Environmental factors, including climate conditions, can impact the external components of these appliances. To address these issues effectively, Nigerian tertiary institutions must prioritize the maintenance and management of sanitary appliances. Adequate funding, efficient maintenance schedules, and educational initiatives to raise awareness about proper usage and hygiene practices are essential steps in mitigating these challenges. Community involvement and a sense of collective responsibility can foster a culture of care and respect for sanitary facilities. Technological advancements in sanitary appliance design and a commitment to environmental sustainability also offer opportunities for improvement. This research underscores the importance of addressing the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institutions to create a healthier and more conducive learning environment that promotes the well-being of all stakeholders. Ultimately, investing in the maintenance and improvement of sanitary appliances is an investment in the future of education and public health in Nigeria.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Sanitary appliance or systems are crucial infrastructure necessary for the social well-being and practical operation of an institution. The provision of public sanitary facilities has implications for public and individual health, transportation, crime preventions, urban design, economic and cultural development and social equity. Public Conveniences i.e. Toilets, Bathrooms, Urinals and Comfort rooms are provided largely in public places and institutions. These places include Markets, Motor Parks, Religious institutions, Mosques, Churches, Filling stations, Hospitals, Airports, Sporting grounds, Schools etc. The right of citizenship access to appropriate public toilets emerged in the west with the rise of modernity.

Prior to the period of enlightenment in Britain, urinating, and defecating was a public act, taking place not only in fields and gardens, but also in the streets. By the mid-19th century however, public toilets were built using the public purse to provide citizens the means to urinate or defecate in public while away from home. It is a long time however since Britain led the world with such public health foresight. In most African cities, public conveniences are lacking in terms of quality and quantity, thus residents and visitors are often left wondering where to “go”. There is therefore a real quality of life crisis looming for all of us – especially the young and older members of society. There is a real concern about both the quantity and quality of public conveniences provision in tertiary institution building in Nigeria with particular reference to Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.

Sanitary appliances, comprising toilets, sinks, showers, and related plumbing infrastructure, are indispensable components of tertiary institution buildings. These facilities play a vital role in maintaining hygiene and sanitation within educational institutions, which are essential for fostering a conducive learning and living environment for students and staff. However, the effective functioning and longevity of sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institutions have been a subject of concern, with several factors contributing to their performance and maintenance challenges.

Nigeria, a country characterized by a diverse landscape and varying socio-economic conditions, presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to the management of sanitary appliances in its tertiary institutions. This study aims to comprehensively assess these challenges, drawing attention to the factors that affect the condition and performance of sanitary appliances within this specific context.

The state of sanitary appliances in tertiary institutions can be influenced by a range of interconnected factors, including the age and condition of buildings, the availability and quality of water supply, the design and maintenance of plumbing systems, waste management practices, hygiene and sanitation awareness, institutional management, environmental factors, socio-economic conditions, regulatory compliance, and user behavior. Understanding the complex interplay of these factors is essential for developing strategies to improve the state of sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

As tertiary institutions in Nigeria strive to provide quality education and ensure the well-being of their students and staff, it is imperative to address the challenges associated with sanitary appliances. This study seeks to contribute valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the maintenance and management of sanitary facilities in tertiary institution buildings, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive educational environment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Sanitary appliances, including toilets, sinks, showers, and related plumbing infrastructure, are indispensable for maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation in tertiary institution buildings across Nigeria. These appliances are essential for creating a healthy and conducive learning and living environment for students and staff. However, despite their critical importance, there is a pressing need to address several significant problems and challenges associated with the state of sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Inadequate Maintenance and Infrastructure Decay: Many tertiary institution buildings in Nigeria are aging, and the plumbing infrastructure, including sanitary appliances, has not received adequate maintenance or upgrades. This has resulted in a deteriorating state of these facilities, leading to frequent breakdowns, leaks, and malfunctions.

Water Supply Issues: Inconsistent and unreliable water supply is a common problem in Nigeria. The availability and quality of water can directly impact the functionality of sanitary appliances, as well as the overall hygiene and sanitation within these institutions.

Waste Management Challenges: Proper sewage systems and waste management practices are often lacking, which can lead to sewage backups, blockages, and environmental contamination, further affecting the performance and hygiene of sanitary appliances.

Hygiene and Health Risks: The deteriorating state of sanitary appliances poses significant hygiene and health risks to students, staff, and the larger institutional community. Poorly maintained or malfunctioning sanitary facilities can contribute to the spread of diseases and negatively impact the well-being of the academic community.

Financial Constraints: Tertiary institutions in Nigeria often face financial constraints, which may limit their ability to allocate adequate funds for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of sanitary appliances.

Lack of Awareness and Training: Insufficient awareness among students, staff, and maintenance personnel regarding proper usage and maintenance of sanitary appliances can exacerbate problems and lead to premature wear and tear.

Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring compliance with relevant building codes and regulations is a challenge that tertiary institutions must navigate to maintain and upgrade their sanitary facilities.

Climate and Environmental Factors: Nigeria’s diverse climate and environmental conditions can impact the performance and longevity of external components of sanitary appliances, such as pipes and outdoor facilities.

Addressing these problems is essential for creating a safe, healthy, and conducive learning environment within Nigerian tertiary institutions. This research project aims to identify, analyze, and propose solutions to these multifaceted challenges, ultimately contributing to the improvement of sanitary appliances and the overall well-being of the academic community. This statement of the problem provides a clear overview of the issues that the research project intends to investigate and offers a compelling rationale for conducting the assessment of factors affecting sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

1.2 AIM

The aim of this project is to assess the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution building in Nigeria.

1.3 OBJECTIVES

The aim would be achieved through the following objectives.

To review the concept of sanitary appliance
To identify the types of sanitary appliances in Tertiary institution building in Nigeria
Evaluation of available public sanitary facilities in Nasarawa main market.
To identify the factors affecting sanitary appliances in Nigeria tertiary institution
To identify and recommend possible solutions to these problems.

1.4 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of a research study on “An assessment of the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution buildings in Nigeria” lies in its potential to bring about positive changes and improvements in various aspects of tertiary education and public health in Nigeria.

Improved Hygiene and Sanitation: The study addresses issues related to the maintenance and functionality of sanitary appliances in tertiary institutions. By identifying and mitigating the factors affecting these facilities, the research can contribute to improved hygiene and sanitation practices, reducing the risk of diseases and promoting better health among students and staff.

Enhanced Learning Environment: A clean and sanitary learning environment is conducive to academic excellence. The study’s findings can lead to improvements in the physical conditions of tertiary institutions, creating a more comfortable and productive atmosphere for students and faculty.

Cost Savings: Effective maintenance and management of sanitary appliances can lead to cost savings for tertiary institutions. Identifying and addressing issues early can prevent major breakdowns and costly repairs, allowing institutions to allocate resources more efficiently.

Environmental Impact: Proper waste management and maintenance of sanitary appliances can have positive environmental implications. Reduced sewage leaks and better waste disposal practices can help protect the local ecosystem and water sources.

Public Health: Sanitary facilities play a crucial role in public health, and their proper maintenance is vital for disease prevention. The research can contribute to public health awareness and practices, benefiting not only the academic community but also the broader population.

Policy and Planning: The findings of the study can inform policymakers and educational authorities in Nigeria about the specific challenges faced by tertiary institutions regarding sanitary appliances. This information can guide the development of policies and strategies to address these challenges effectively.

Research Gap Filling: The study may fill gaps in existing research related to sanitary facilities in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It can serve as a valuable resource for future researchers and policymakers looking to understand and address similar issues.

In summary, the significance of the study lies in its potential to address critical issues related to hygiene, sanitation, and infrastructure maintenance within Nigerian tertiary institutions. By identifying and addressing these factors, the research can contribute to healthier and more conducive learning environments, cost savings, and positive impacts on public health and the environment.

1.5 SCOPE

The scope of the study covers the assessment of the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution building in Nigeria with particular references to Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa.

1.6 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Identifying and acknowledging the limitations of a research study is a critical aspect of research transparency and integrity. It helps to set realistic expectations for the scope and generalizability of the study’s findings. In the context of the project titled “An assessment of the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution buildings in Nigeria,” here are some limitations experienced:

Sample Size and Selection Bias: The study’s findings may be limited by the sample size and selection process. If the sample is not representative of all tertiary institutions in Nigeria or is biased towards certain regions or types of institutions, the results may not be fully generalizable.

Data Availability: Data availability and accessibility can be a limitation. Some institutions may not have comprehensive records or may be unwilling to share data related to the maintenance and condition of sanitary appliances.

Data Accuracy: The accuracy of data collected from tertiary institutions and other sources may vary. Errors or inconsistencies in the data could impact the validity of the study’s findings.

Resource Constraints: The research project may be limited by budget and time constraints. These limitations could impact the depth and breadth of data collection, analysis, and the ability to conduct on-site assessments at a wide range of institutions.

It’s essential for the researchers to acknowledge these limitations upfront and discuss how they have mitigated or considered these issues in the study design and analysis. Additionally, highlighting the potential implications of these limitations on the study’s findings and conclusions is important for maintaining research integrity.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Defining key terms in a research study is essential to ensure that all readers have a clear understanding of the terminology used in the context of the study.

Sanitary Appliances: Sanitary appliances refer to fixtures and equipment within a building, such as toilets, sinks, showers, and related plumbing infrastructure, designed for personal hygiene and waste disposal.

Tertiary Institution: Tertiary institutions, also known as higher education institutions, include universities, colleges, and other educational establishments that offer post-secondary education, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Factors: Factors are elements or variables that influence a particular phenomenon or outcome. In the context of the study, factors refer to various aspects or conditions that impact the condition, functionality, and maintenance of sanitary appliances in tertiary institutions.

Assessment: Assessment involves the process of evaluating or examining the current state or condition of something. In this study, it refers to the systematic evaluation of the factors affecting sanitary appliances in tertiary institution buildings.

Maintenance: Maintenance refers to the activities and processes involved in preserving, repairing, or keeping sanitary appliances and related infrastructure in good working condition.

Infrastructure: Infrastructure encompasses the physical facilities, systems, and structures necessary for the operation of an organization or institution. In this study, it includes the plumbing systems, sewage systems, and related components that support sanitary appliances.

Water Supply: Water supply refers to the provision of clean and safe water for various uses, including drinking, cleaning, and flushing in tertiary institution buildings.

Waste Management: Waste management involves the proper handling, disposal, and treatment of waste materials, including sewage and wastewater, to minimize environmental and health hazards.

Hygiene: Hygiene refers to practices and behaviors that promote cleanliness and health, particularly in the context of personal and environmental cleanliness.

Socio-Economic Factors: Socio-economic factors include aspects related to the social and economic conditions within a given context. In this study, it may encompass issues such as funding, economic challenges, and community dynamics affecting sanitary appliance maintenance.

Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory compliance involves adhering to relevant laws, rules, and regulations governing building standards, sanitation, and safety.

User Behavior: User behavior refers to the actions and habits of individuals, including students, staff, and maintenance personnel, in their interactions with sanitary appliances and related facilities.

Environmental Factors: Environmental factors encompass conditions and elements in the natural environment that may affect sanitary appliances, such as climate, weather, and geographic location.

Institutional Management: Institutional management involves the administrative and organizational practices and policies employed by tertiary institutions to oversee facility management, including sanitary appliance maintenance.

Community Responsibility: Community responsibility refers to the collective sense of duty and accountability shared by the members of a tertiary institution’s community in ensuring the proper use and maintenance of sanitary appliances.

These definitions provide clarity regarding the terminology used in the research study and help ensure a common understanding among researchers, readers, and stakeholders involved in the assessment of factors affecting sanitary appliances in Nigerian tertiary institution buildings.

Sunday 3 September 2023

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING SANITARY APPLIANCES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION BUILDING IN NIGERIA

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING SANITARY APPLIANCES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION BUILDING IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT