EVALUATING THE ACCESSIBILITY OF BUILDINGS FOR PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE: CASE STUDY OF ABUBAKAR RASHEED SENATE BUILDING AND DANGOTE BUSINESS SCHOOL

This chapter presents a comprehensive evaluation of the accessibility features of the Dangote Business School and the Senate Building at Bayero University Kano, focusing on their accommodations for physically challenged individuals. Accessibility is fundamental to creating an inclusive academic environment, and this study assesses how well these buildings meet established accessibility standards and guidelines. The Dangote Business School, a state-of-the-art facility designed for advanced business education, is examined for its accessibility features. This includes an analysis of ramps, elevators, and other structural elements intended to support mobility-impaired users. The study evaluates how these features integrate with the overall design of the building, ensuring that all areas, including lecture halls, administrative offices, and common spaces, are easily accessible. Special attention is given to the usability of entrance and exit points, internal pathways, and the effectiveness of signage and information systems in guiding users with disabilities. The evaluation also considers feedback from students and staff with physical impairments to identify practical challenges and areas for improvement. In parallel, the Senate Building, the administrative core of Bayero University Kano, is assessed for its accessibility features. This building's design and facilities are scrutinized for compliance with accessibility standards, including the adequacy of entrance ramps, the availability of elevators, and the accessibility of restrooms and meeting rooms. The analysis covers the building’s internal navigation, ensuring that all critical areas are reachable for users with mobility challenges. The study highlights specific barriers encountered by physically disabled individuals and provides recommendations for enhancements to improve overall accessibility. The findings from these evaluations reveal both strengths and deficiencies in the current accessibility provisions of the Dangote Business School and the Senate Building. Strengths include the integration of essential accessibility features, while weaknesses point to areas needing significant improvements. Recommendations include design modifications, additional accessibility aids, and policy changes to better support users with disabilities. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure that educational and administrative buildings meet the highest standards of accessibility. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the proposed improvements, both the Dangote Business School and the Senate Building can enhance their inclusivity and better serve all members of the university community. This study contributes to a broader understanding of the practical implications of accessibility in academic environments and advocates for continuous improvement in building design to accommodate diverse needs.