FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLAPSE OF SCHOOL BUILDING IN NIGERIA

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLAPSE OF SCHOOL BUILDING IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

Since independence, the Nigerian government has made desperate efforts to increase the quantitative (but not qualitative) supply of mass housing through massive budgetary and policy provisions; however, the alarming rate at which existing housing stock is collapsing necessitates immediate attention and action. The number of building collapse sites scattered across Nigeria is so concerning that it is impossible to predict the impact on the construction sector and the country’s overall economy. If only these structures had been built in the way they were intended, one can only imagine how magnificent they would have been. It has been said that Nigeria, particularly Lagos State, has been dubbed the “Land of Opportunity.” Because of the large number of fallen structures, some of which are worth billions of naira, the area has been dubbed “the world’s junkyard” (Famoroti, 2005). It seems unthinkable that a country with such vast potential in its construction sector would suffer such a large building collapse. In 2002, Fadamiro defined a building as “a structure that encloses areas that are planned for a specific purpose and that is intended to manage local temperature, distribute services, and expel trash.” The term “building” refers to a structural entity that can secure itself by transferring weights to the ground. A building is also defined as a “structure for human activity that must be safe for the residents” (Odulami, 2002). As a These identical structures have been a source of delight and danger to people both before and after their construction, posing a threat to their safety as a result of their collapse. Collapse as a whole occurs when a component or the entire body of a structure fails and gives way abruptly; as a result of this failure, the structure is unable to fulfill the function for which it was designed. The most severe example of a building failure is its collapse. It denotes that the superstructure has collapsed completely or partially (Arilesere, 2002). If one or more of the building’s parts become defective as a result of the materials that comprise such building elements’ inability to perform their original functions efficiently, The structure will fail, possibly resulting in the building collapsing. Buildings are meant to provide people with comfort and shelter, but in some cases, the same building has served as a danger trap for those same people. It is assumed that a building will meet certain fundamental requirements, such as constructability and design performance, as well as cost efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time completion (Olusola, Atta & Ayangade, 2002). Buildings are expected to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional, but many projects fail to meet even the most basic of these requirements. As a result, the number of building collapses has increased, some of which have resulted in the deaths of innocent people. In order to Numerous studies have been conducted, and various workshops have been organized in major cities across the country by various bodies, government agencies, and institutions, to investigate the causes of the incidence of building collapse in Nigeria. However, no studies or workshops have been able to determine how each of the identified factors contributes directly to building collapse in the country. According to Olusola, structural design and quality management are the two most important factors that contribute to building collapse in Nigeria (2002). The quality management process takes into account material variability, testing variability, the judgment factor, contractor variability, poorly qualified workers, and unprofessional behavior. The study’s goal was to investigate the occurrences of residential

Building collapses in Nigeria are being investigated to determine the causes, consequences, and solutions.

1.2 THE PROBLEM’S STATEMENT

The failure of a structure is caused by a flaw or imperfection, a deficit or a fault in a building part or component. It could also happen as a result of a failure to perform a function. The degree of building collapse can thus be attributed to the amount or degree of divergence of a structure from its “as – constructed” condition, which in most cases represents the accepted norm within the neighborhood, area, state, or nation. According to Ikpo (1998), formalized euphemism is Building collapse, on the other hand, can be defined as the complete or partial/progressive breakdown of one or more structural components of a structure.

As a result, the building’s ability to perform its primary functions of comfort, satisfaction, safety, and stability is compromised. Building collapses in Nigeria have become a major source of concern for all parties, including building industry experts, government officials, private developers, customers and users, and residents of surrounding neighborhoods. The researcher’s concern about the increasing number of building collapse accidents occurring throughout the country prompted this study, which sought to identify the factors responsible for school building collapses in Nigeria.

1.3 THE STUDY’S OBJECTIVES

The study’s overarching goal is to identify the factors that contribute to school building collapses in Nigeria. The research will be guided by the following criteria:

i. To

Investigate the factors that contributed to building collapses in Nigeria.

ii. To investigate the effects of collapsed buildings in Nigeria on student well-being.

iii. To make recommendations on corrective measures to prevent building collapse in Nigeria.

1.4 QUESTIONS FOR RESEARCH

The following study questions have been prepared:

i. What are the factors that contribute to building collapses in Nigeria?

ii. What are the effects of collapsed buildings in Nigeria on student safety?

iii. What are the corrective measures being taken in Nigeria to prevent building collapse?

1.5 THE STUDY’S IMPORTANCE

The findings of this study will be important in educating the general public and the current government on

the causes, effect and solutions to the cases of building collapse in Nigeria.

This research will also serve as a resource base for other scholars and researchers interested in conducting additional research in this field in the future, and if applied, will go so far as to provide new explanations for the topic.

1.6 STUDY OBJECTIVES

This research will look into the causes of building collapses in Nigeria. The research will also look into the effects of collapsed buildings in Nigeria on the health of students. The study will also make recommendations on corrective measures to prevent building collapse in Nigeria. As a result, the scope of the study will be limited to Cross Rivers State.

1.7 RESEARCH LIMITATIONS

similar to any other

The researcher encountered constraints in the cause of this study, including the lack of needed accurate materials on the topic under study and the inability to obtain data. The researcher faced financial constraints in obtaining relevant materials as well as printing and collating questionnaires. Furthermore, time is a constraint because the researcher must shuttle between writing the research and engaging in other academic work, which makes the researcher uncomfortable.

1.8 DEFINITIONS OF TERMS

COLLAPSE: a sudden collapse or giving way

SCHOOL: a place where children are educated.

A structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory, is referred to as a BUILDING.