EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS ON THE PURCHASE OF QUALITY PLUMBING MATERIALS IN FEMALE STUDENTS’ HOSTELS: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN SCHOOL-OWNED FEMALE HOSTELS IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

Environmental hazards in student hostels can affect the quality and accessibility of essential materials, including plumbing supplies. This study examines the effects of environmental hazards on the purchase of quality plumbing materials in University of Ilorin school-owned female hostels. The aim was to identify common hazards, assess their impact on purchasing decisions, and examine challenges faced by students and hostel management. A descriptive survey design was used, collecting data from 80 respondents (20 hostel managers and 60 female students) via a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings showed that 75% of respondents experienced flooding, 68% reported waste accumulation, 55% faced poor drainage, and 48% encountered pest infestations. These hazards influenced plumbing purchases, with 62% opting for lower-quality materials due to cost and limited availability. Major challenges included insufficient maintenance budgets (70%), delayed repairs (65%), and lack of access to certified suppliers (60%). High mean scores (M = 4.12–4.45) indicated that hazards increased repair urgency but constrained investment in durable plumbing solutions. The study concludes that environmental hazards negatively affect the acquisition and use of quality plumbing materials, impacting maintenance and student welfare. Recommendations include proactive hazard management, timely repairs, and policies to ensure availability and affordability of quality materials.