AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO BUILDING COLLAPSE IN NIGERIA: CASE STUDY OF SCHOOL BUILDING COLLAPSE IN JOS

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Constructing infrastructure worldwide is one of humanity's most important resources. Furthermore, these buildings not only offer a wide range of living spaces, religious centres, workplaces, educational institutions, and medical facilities to humanity, but they also create employment opportunities for both skilled and unskilled individuals. As per McCarthy (2019), a building is a structure with walls and a roof that is constructed for long-term use, serving as a place for human habitation, work, and storage. Buildings are architectural constructions that provide protection and accommodation for human beings, their possessions, and their various endeavours (Walker et al., 2017). In order to achieve the desired level of satisfaction, it is imperative that they are designed, planned, constructed, and maintained in a meticulous manner. Numerous structures in Nigeria have experienced structural failure, resulting in significant economic losses and the loss of human lives and property.

Building collapse is an inevitable consequence of building failure, where failure occurs due to structural deterioration. The deterioration of building structures can be attributed to several factors such as ageing, design flaws, construction errors, foundation instability, excessive loads, insufficient steel reinforcement, substandard building materials, and inadequate maintenance. The combination of heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage systems is a significant challenge to structures in Nigeria. In Nigeria, it is frequently observed that existing buildings are sinking as a result of water-related issues and inadequate foundations. This issue also affects many newly constructed structures, as they exhibit the same problem throughout the construction process (Carter et al., 2020). Over the past few years, Nigeria has experienced a significant increase in construction failures, leading to the loss of both lives and properties. Unfortunately, there is a lack of information available regarding any discoveries or conclusions about the collapse of the building structures. There are frequent media stories of buildings collapsing in major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Jos. Regrettably, since gaining independence, the Nigerian government has persistently made determined efforts to increase the quantity of mass housing through substantial budgetary allocations and policy provisions. However, it is alarming that the rate at which these existing structures are collapsing demands immediate attention. 

The occurrence of building collapses in Nigeria is presenting significant difficulties for all parties involved in the construction sector - including building consultants, governments, developers, landlords, and users (Chris, 2022). One might speculate about the grandeur these buildings would have possessed if they had been completed in accordance with their original plans. Nigeria, particularly urban areas, has been identified as the global hub for dilapidated buildings valued at billions of naira (Edima et al., 2020). The widespread occurrence of building collapses around Nigeria is deeply concerning, as it is difficult to fathom the potential impact on both the construction sector and the overall Nigerian economy. It is astonishing that a country with significant potential in its construction industry could suffer from such large-scale building collapses.

The occurrence of building collapses in Nigeria has emerged as a major issue, presenting risks to human life, property, and the overall progress of the country (Dapo, 2024). This problem has been especially widespread in urban areas like Lagos, Abuja, and Jos. The frequent incidence of building collapses underscores the imperative to examine the underlying risk factors that contribute to these accidents. Nigeria has witnessed a significant incidence of building collapses in recent decades. These occurrences have led to fatalities, injuries, and substantial economic setbacks (Folorunsho, 2024). The structural failure of The Saints Academy School building in Jos on Friday, July 12th, 2024 is particularly concerning due to its impact on vulnerable groups, specifically children and educators (Folorunsho, 2024). Gaining insight into the risk variables that contribute to the collapse is crucial for formulating efficient prevention methods and guaranteeing the safety of educational surroundings. Therefore, the necessity for this investigation arises.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The issue of building collapse is a complex one that necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of numerous contributing elements. This study attempts to provide insight into the particular hazards and difficulties associated with the recent school building collapse in Jos. The primary goal is to present feasible remedies that will avert future failures and guarantee the security of educational facilities in Nigeria.

An initial inquiry into the collapse of the Saint Academy School building in the Busa Buji neighborhood of Jos, Plateau State, in North Central Nigeria, has revealed that the structure was faulty. Samson (2024), the Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), stated that upon visual inspection, the building appeared to be in a state of disrepair, indicating the usage of substandard materials. According to Samson (2024), the study indicated that there was uncertainty over the amount of concrete utilized in the two-story building. This was because there was no clear separation between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. Additionally, the anchorage given for the slab reinforcement was insufficient. The concrete quantity is uncertain due to the absence of a clear demarcation between the concrete and the steel reinforcement. The anchorage of the slab reinforcement was insufficient. The dimensions of the foundation provided for the footing were smaller than the required size of 1200 mm X 1200 mm (Punch, 2024).

In the context of building collapse, some construction projects, namely those being carried out by building owners, deviate from their approved designs and rely excessively on imagination and fantasy (Idris, 2023). Omonete (2022) notes that the regulatory bodies are likewise prone to neglecting the supervision of adherence to authorized programmes. In addition, Adeyinka (2024) asserts that certain building owners avoid hiring professionals in order to reduce expenses. Majorly, the exorbitant expense of construction materials has prompted avaricious contractors, driven by a desire for financial gain, to favour inferior materials. The use of these expedient methods has significantly contributed to the prevalence of structural failures in the nation (Adeniya, 2022). Prior to independence, the construction of buildings in Nigeria adhered to international standards. However, since the oil boom of 1970, various illicit activities and unscrupulous professional practices have infiltrated the Nigerian system. The focus now is simply on completing the job, with little or no regard for professionalism (Adekunle, 2024). This study aims to analyze the risk variables related with building collapse in Nigeria, specifically focusing on the case study of school building collapse in Jos.

Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically investigate the risk factors associated to building collapse in Nigeria: case study of school building collapse in Jos. Specific objectives of this study are to:

Identify the risk factors contributing to the recent collapse of school building in Jos

Assess the impact of regulatory frameworks on building standards

Propose measures for mitigating the risk of building collapses in the future

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions will be answered in this study:

What are the risk factors contributing to the recent collapse of school building in Jos?

What is the impact of regulatory frameworks on building standards?

What are the measures for mitigating the risk of building collapses in the future?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

The following research hypotheses are formulated to guide the study:

Ho: There are no significant risk factors contributing to the recent collapse of school building in Jos.

Ha: There are significant risk factors contributing to the recent collapse of school building in Jos.

1.6 Significance of the study

The study's importance rests in its capacity to preserve lives, develop infrastructure, reinforce rules, and bolster community resilience against building collapses, specifically in the context of school buildings in Jos, Nigeria. The study will provide a fundamental reference point for policymakers, educators, construction industry experts, students, and researchers.

Moreover, by the identification of the elements that contribute to building collapses, the study might bring attention to deficiencies in existing building regulations, enforcement methods, and regulatory frameworks. This discovery can provide valuable insights for policy changes aimed at enhancing construction standards and safety laws. The findings can provide a basis for more research and the formulation of policies on building safety, not only in Jos but potentially throughout Nigeria and other areas confronting comparable difficulties.

Also, a heightened comprehension of the elements that contribute to risk might enable communities to actively support and promote safer construction methods, so enhancing their ability to withstand and recover from future calamities. Disseminating study findings through awareness campaigns can effectively educate stakeholders about safety measures. Additionally, structural failures of buildings lead to financial setbacks as a result of property destruction, expenses for rebuilding, and probable legal obligations. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these potential hazards can assist those with vested interests in making well-informed choices to mitigate any adverse financial consequences.

Furthermore, future academics will employ it as a comprehensive analysis of the existing scholarly literature. Therefore, those with an interest in this area of study can rely on this work as a trustworthy and thoroughly assessed source of knowledge.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically investigate the risk factors associated to building collapse in Nigeria: case study of school building collapse in Jos. Specifically, this study seeks to Identify the risk factors contributing to the recent collapse of school building in Nigeria, examine the role of construction practices in building integrity, evaluate the role of standard materials in building standard. assess the impact of regulatory frameworks on building standards and propose measures for mitigating the risk of building collapses in the future.

The study is carried out in Jos, Plateau State. The respondents of this study are the residents and neighbors of the collapsed Saints Academy in the Busa Buji area of Jos, Plateau State

1.8 Limitations of the study

Like in any human attempt, the researchers encountered several small limits during the investigation. The primary constraint was the dearth of comprehensive literature on the topic, given the scarcity of data pertaining to an investigation of the risk factors associated to building collapse in Nigeria: case study of school building collapse in Jos. Therefore, a substantial investment of time and effort was required to identify the suitable materials, books, or information and to collect data. 

Moreover, this study is limited by its diminutive sample size and restricted geographical range, concentrating just on Jos, Plateau state. Hence, the findings of this study cannot be extrapolated, thereby necessitating additional research. 

Furthermore, the researcher's restraints were predominantly attributable to financial limitations, as they are a student without a means of revenue to support themselves. The research location's high transportation costs, impacted by current inflation in Nigeria, made it difficult to afford transportation fees.

In addition, the researcher encountered a time limitation as a result of the necessity to do this research while simultaneously meeting the responsibilities of attending lectures and engaging in other educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Building: a building is a structure with walls and a roof that is constructed for long-term use, serving as a place for human habitation, work, and storage. Buildings are architectural constructions that provide protection and accommodation for human beings, their possessions, and their various endeavors.

Building collapse: A building collapse is the sudden structural failing, partially or entirely, of a building, threatening human life and health. When internal load-bearing structural elements fail, a building will collapse into itself, and exterior walls pulled into the falling structure.

Substandard materials: Substandard construction materials are materials that do not meet quality standards and contribute to undesired consequences on the life of a building.