Educational Ergonomics in Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the ergonomics and ergonomic considerations of learning environments of higher education institutions (HEIs) in Nigeria. It adopted a descriptive survey design. Population of study comprised all the three universities in Rivers State and a total of 136 lecturers, 230 students and 6 staff of works departments constituted the sample. Four research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Data was collected using a researcher-constructed questionnaire entitled Educational Ergonomics in Higher Institutions questionnaire (EEIHIQ). An observation checklist and interview schedules were also used. The instrument was validated by experts and its reliability index was established at .75 index using Pearson Moment correlation coefficient. Mean scores were used to answer the research questions while the z–test was used to test the hypotheses at the .05 level of significance. The findings were that school buildings and other teaching and learning facilities in the universities are ergonomically below standard and unsafe. Recommendations towards improvement are made.Keywords: Physical facilities planning; Ergonomics; Quality assurance