Assessment of the Effects of Solid Waste Disposal on the Biophysical Environment in Some Selected Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Gwagwalada Area Council FCT, Abuja

Abstract

Inappropriate solid waste management practices in schools in developing countries constitute one of the major factors leading to declining environmental health conditions. A proper waste management is needed to ensure the protection of the environment and human health. Few studies have captured waste management problems in Nigerian educational institutions, particularly the views of students. This study was designed to assess the effects of solid waste disposal on the biophysical environment of secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, eight (8) schools were randomly sampled from which fifty (50) students were selected from each school. A total of four hundred (400) students were surveyed. However, only three hundred and fifty eight (358) of the returned questionnaires were found to be completely filled and were used for the analysis. Data collected were subjected to percentage; mean, standard deviation, correlation and chi-square statistical analyses. Findings revealed that the level of knowledge, attitude and practice of waste management was relatively moderate in secondary schools in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCTAbuja. The percentage of those who used indiscriminate solid waste disposal methods like open dumping and open burning was higher. Educational status, age and gender, among others, were factors influencing relationships that were observed between students’ sex, age and class and their level of awareness, knowledge and practices of waste management.