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    EVALUATION OF INCLUSIVE ARCHITECTURE STRATEGIES FOR THE DESIGN OF GRANGE SECONDARY SCHOOL, VICTORIA GARDEN CITY, LAGOS NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) Kponu, Jemima Usinzibe; Covenant University Dissertation
    This thesis investigates the adoption of inclusive architecture strategies in the design of Grange secondary school in Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos, Nigeria. The study aims to improve the equality of users' experiences through the intentional application of inclusive architectural principles that accommodate diverse physical and sensory needs, particularly those of students with visual impairments. Grounded in the framework of universal design, the study aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (inclusive and equitable quality education), 10 (reducing inequalities), and 11 (making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable). It addresses the ongoing marginalisation of users in educational environments due to spatial and sensory barriers that limit access, autonomy, and participation. A mixed methods approach was employed, comprising an extensive literature review, structured observation guides used during site visits to existing secondary schools, and the administration of questionnaires to students with visual impairments. These methods facilitated a critical evaluation of current school environments, enabling the identification of missing inclusive design strategies and their impact on users' experiences. The findings reveal that inclusive design is significantly under implemented in Lagos secondary schools. Most institutions lack basic architectural features such as ramps, handrails, tactile guidance surfaces, barrier free circulation paths, and legible spatial layouts. These omissions result in increased reliance on others, restricted movement, and heightened risk for students with disabilities. The research emphasises that these spatial deficiencies can be overcome by embedding inclusive design early in the architectural process through context responsive, multisensory, and human centred solutions. The study culminates in the design of a model inclusive secondary school in VGC. The proposal features tactile and auditory wayfinding systems, accessible circulation, clearly zoned learning spaces, appropriate lighting and acoustics, and sustainable climate responsive elements. These strategies are integrated from the outset, not as afterthoughts framing inclusion as a foundational architectural value. In addition to contributing to architectural theory and design practice, the study reinforces the critical role of inclusive school environments in advancing social equity. By translating global development goals into spatial strategies, it presents a replicable architectural model for addressing educational and infrastructural inequality in Nigeria and other rapidly urbanising contexts
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    INVESTIGATION OF PLACEMAKING PRINCIPLES FOR THE DESIGN OF CONTEMPORARY GROUP SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY CENTER IN ASABA, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) IKEMEFUNA, Ifeadikachi Divine-Glory; Covenant University Dissertation
    This research investigates the integration of placemaking concepts in the design of a socially inclusive landscape for a community center in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Recognizing the increasing need for public spaces that foster social cohesion amidst urbanization, the study explores how landscape architecture and participatory design can enhance community interaction and inclusivity. Through a mixed-method approach involving case studies of existing community centers and user satisfaction surveys, the research identifies the effectiveness of current design strategies and evaluates their social impact. Findings reveal that landscape elements, cultural expression, accessibility, and flexible use of space are critical to fostering inclusive, engaging, and resilient community environments. Building on these insights, the study proposes a design framework grounded in placemaking principles, emphasizing people-centered design, environmental responsiveness, and sociocultural integration. The final design proposal envisions a multifunctional community center that serves as a social, educational, and recreational hub for Asaba, tailored to local needs while aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study contributes to the discourse on architecture’s role in social development and offers practical guidelines for implementing socially inclusive placemaking strategies in the Nigerian context.
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    EVALUATION OF AFROCENTRIC STRATEGIES FOR THE DESIGN OF COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DESIGN INITIATIVE, SATELLITE TOWN, LAGOS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) Ihewulezi, Fortune Onyinyechi; Covenant University Dissertation
    The underrepresentation of African cultural identity in contemporary architecture has led to growing interest in Afrocentric design approaches. Afrocentricity is the primary standpoint specifically addressing that spaces and buildings should resonate with the local community’s identity, pride and heritage while ensuring that it is standardized. This study aimed to evaluate the adoption of Afrocentric design strategies with the purpose to improve user wellbeing leading to its integration in the design of a community centre in Satellite Town and addressed these objectives which are to analyze level of adoption of afro-centric design strategies in community centres, assess the overall wellbeing of the users of the community centres and to establish a relationship between afro-centric design strategies and user wellbeing in community centres in Lagos mainland. This research adopted a pragmatic philosophy employing mixed method and a qualitative approach to explore Afrocentric design strategies for user wellbeing in a Lagos Mainland Community centre. Utilizing stratified random sampling method, the study focused on 318 respondents from three community centres employing the use of questionnaires, observation guide and case studies to comprehensively collect data within the study area. The scope encompasses the community needs, heritage preservation in its surroundings by incorporating the Afrocentric design strategies, the findings show that integrating indigenous symbols, spatial hierarchies, and community participation enhances both cultural relevance and environmental responsiveness and opportunities for the creation of community centres that are Africa-centred within the specified area and considered wellbeing of the users. The study recommends that architects adopt Afrocentric design principles, planners integrate culturally sensitive policies into urban frameworks, and communities actively engage in co-creating spaces that reflect their heritage.
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    EVALUATION OF NEO-VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE STRATEGIES IN THE DESIGN OF AN ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE FOR LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-07) Enwonwu, Chigozie Mitchelle; Covenant University Dissertation
    This study evaluates the extent to which neo-vernacular architectural strategies are implemented in selected arts and cultural centres in Lagos and explores how users perceive the benefits of these strategies. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through case studies and user surveys at the John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Terra Kulture, and KAP Hub. While purposive sampling guided the selection of centres, random sampling was used to recruit survey participants. Case study analysis revealed differing levels of neo-vernacular strategy adoption across the centres. Survey findings further indicated that users generally perceive neo-vernacular architecture as beneficial across cultural, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. However, these perceived benefits vary across centres. The study recommends a shift from symbolic use of traditional forms toward deeper, contextually grounded applications. Design strategies such as passive cooling, use of local materials, and integration of vernacular forms are proposed to enhance cultural relevance and improve architectural performance. By grounding contemporary design in indigenous knowledge and user experience, neo-vernacular architecture can offer more meaningful and enduring cultural spaces
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    GENETIC POLYMORPHISMS IN ERCC6 AND CYP17A1 AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH VITAMIN-D LEVELS IN NIGERIAN PROSTATE CANCER PATIENTS
    (Covenant University Ota, 2025-04) AMADI, EMMANUEL CHIMUEBUKA; Covenant University Dissertation
    Prostate cancer (PCa) constitutes the principal cause of cancer-related deaths among males over 40 in Africa, especially in Nigeria. By 2030, 10.8% of males may develop PCa before 75. The aggressiveness of PCa in Blacks versus Caucasians is not well understood. Mutations in tumour-specific genes like Excision Repair Cross-Complementation Group 6 (ERCC6) and Cytochrome P450 Family 17 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP17A1) may serve as diagnostic biomarkers. ERCC6, involved in DNA repair, and CYP17A1, key in androgen production, are linked to PCa progression. This study assessed ERCC6 rs2228528 and CYP17A1 rs4919686 polymorphisms and their relation to vitamin D (VD) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency is linked with increased prostate cancer (PCa) mortality and influences energy metabolism in normal prostate cells. The Androgen Receptor (AR) regulates vital genes in prostate cancer development and is more common in Black populations. Exploring ERCC6 and CYP17A1 in relation to VD and AR could improve PCa diagnosis. This study evaluated the association between ERCC6 rs2228528 (C > T) and CYP17A1 rs4919686 (A > C) polymorphisms, located in ERCC6 exon 11 and the CYP17A1 promoter, respectively, vis-à-vis VD and AR levels in Nigerian PCa patients. Genotyping employed real-time PCR with TaqMan assays, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure VD and AR levels. The data was then analysed using Excel, SPSS, and R. Results revealed a higher presence of ERCC6 rs2228528 wildtype genotypes in cases (37%) compared to controls (30%) and a lower presence of CYP17A1 rs4919686 wildtype genotypes in cases (46%) versus controls (48%). No significant associations (p > 0.05) were found between these polymorphisms. Nevertheless, rs2228528 shows promise as a PCa biomarker. VD levels were higher in cases (52.49 ng/mL) than in control (47.93 ng/mL), while difference in androgen levels were not significant (p > 0.05). Lastly, ERCC6 polymorphism, but not CYP17A1, shows potential as a possible biomarker for PCa. Larger studies are needed for definitive conclusions.