Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Spring 3-3-2019
Abstract
Abstract
This work examined level of awareness and information needs on indiscriminate dumping of solid waste among staff and students of Nigerian Universities. The study adopted descriptive survey and was guided by five research questions. Questionnaire, interview and observation were used for data collection. The population of the study comprised four hundred and fifteen thousand, one hundred and twenty eight (415,128) students and staff of federal universities in the six geo political zones in Nigeria. A total sample of six hundred (600) staff and students were used for the study. Convenience sampling technique was employed to select 50 students and 50 staff from each institution under study thereby totalling six hundred (600) staff and students of the universities under study. The choice of convenience sampling technique was used based on the fact that all staff and students resident in the campuses are generators of solid wastes and are likely to give valid information on the research questions. Questionnaire, interview and observation were used as the instruments for data collection and the data collected were analysed using inferential statistics of mean and percentage while content analysis was adopted to analyse interview and observation. Findings revealed that staff and students of the universities studied dump solid wastes indiscriminately to a very large extent. Also, the results showed that orientation programmes for fresh men and women, university radio house, university website among others are efficient information channels that can help increase awareness to curb indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes. Equally, it was discovered that the staff and students are aware of the environmental risk-factors associated with indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes. Lack of advanced technology, and facilities for separation at source, strength of waste management policy and enforcement, low environmental education and income status of individuals among others were all found to be responsible for indiscriminate dumping of solid wastes. On the hand, provision of adequate advanced technology, proper use of dumping sit and adequate facilities for separation of solid wastes at source among others were seen as very efficient strategies for proper solid wastes disposal.
Comments
The paper was presented at 18th Annual Conference, Nigeria Library Association, Enugu State Chapter which was held on Wednesday 21st -Friday 23rd November 2018. Also, the paper was published in the Proceeding of the Annual Conference of the Association.