Evaluation of Building Material Finishes for Accessibility, Safety, and Usability in Special Educational Facilities in Southwest Nigeria

• Author(s): Oluwole Ajayi ; Adewale Muideen
• Paper ID: 1709878
• Page: 1605-1612
• Published Date: 05-08-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 9 Issue 1 July-2025

Abstract

Access to inclusive, safe, and user-friendly educational environments is a fundamental right, particularly for persons with physical disabilities. However, many special educational facilities in Southwest Nigeria still exhibit significant physical and material-related barriers that compromise safety, mobility, and usability. While prior research has emphasized general accessibility elements like ramps and signage, little attention has been paid to the critical role of building material finishes in promoting inclusive education. This study addresses that gap by evaluating how building material finishes affect accessibility, safety, and usability for physically impaired students in special schools across Southwest Nigeria. The aim of the study is to assess the adequacy and impact of various building material finishes such as flooring, wall, ceiling, doors, windows, and sanitary installations on the safety, comfort, and usability of school environments for students with physical disabilities. An explorative and descriptive research design was adopted, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 332 respondents across six special schools in the region, supported by field observations and case studies. Statistical tools including Mean Weighted Values (MWV), Relative Importance Index (RII), and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient were employed for data analysis. The study reveal that slip-resistant ramps, rubber flooring, and textured outdoor surfaces scored highest in safety, usability, and comfort (RII > 0.88). Preferred materials like rubber floors and non-slip ceramic tiles significantly enhanced movement and reduced fall risks. Door handles such as lever types and wide doorways also promoted ease of use. However, inconsistencies remain in the application of accessible finishes especially in sanitary areas, acoustic treatments, and tactile navigation aids. Roofing materials, often metal sheets, posed thermal discomfort due to poor insulation, while features like tactile wall finishes and acoustic ceiling panels were underutilized despite their known benefits. The Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated strong positive relationships between safety, usability, and comfort (? > 0.84), affirming that improvements in one aspect tend to enhance the others. This highlights the interdependence of inclusive design components in educational infrastructure. The study recommends the adoption of standardized guidelines that prioritize slip-resistant, tactile, thermally comfortable, and low-maintenance materials formulated for inclusive learning environments.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Oluwole Ajayi , Adewale Muideen "Evaluation of Building Material Finishes for Accessibility, Safety, and Usability in Special Educational Facilities in Southwest Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 1 2025 Page 1605-1612

IEEE:
Oluwole Ajayi , Adewale Muideen "Evaluation of Building Material Finishes for Accessibility, Safety, and Usability in Special Educational Facilities in Southwest Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(1)