Provision of Accessible Buildings for People with Disabilities (PWD) in Nigerian Public Universities

Abstract

The study ascertained how to provide accessible buildings for people with disabilities (PWD) in Nigerian Public Universities. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The study was carried out in four public Universities in South-East Nigeria which include: University of Nigeria Nsukka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Federal University of Technology Owerri and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike. The population for this study is 250 subjects, consisting of 43 building technology lecturers and 207 building technology first-year students in the four public universities. No sampling was used for this study since the total population is of manageable size. A 23-item Questionnaire was used in answering research questions. The Reliability of the instrument was subjected to Cronbach’s Alpha reliability method to determine the internal consistency which yielded a coefficient of 0.782. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions. For the test of significance, the probability (p) value was used in comparison with the alpha value of 0.05, and at 90 degree of freedom (df). Based on the research findings, provision of ramp, at each lobby entrance or vehicle drop off area and provision of toilet for the disabilities, with a size that fits wheelchair users will enhance easy access for PWD to buildings within the public universities. The study recommends that the government should establish a particular building licensing agency, whose task is to supervise the implementation of the provision of accessible facilities for PWD in buildings and especially in Nigerian public universities.