ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DAMPNESS ON BUILDING INTEGRITY AND STUDENTS LEARNING OUTCOMES IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) GOMBE

ABSTRACT This study assess the impact of dampness on building integrity and students’ learning outcomes in the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe. The research was guided by three objectives: to evaluate dampness impact on building integrity, to examine the impact on students’ learning outcomes, and to identify strategies that can mitigate dampness within the college environment. A survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of 80 respondents, including both academic staff and students from the Department of Building Technology Education. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire comprising 28 items developed on a five-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed using simple mean to determine the level of agreement among respondents. The findings revealed that dampness significantly affects the structural integrity of buildings within the college, with visible signs such as peeling paint, wall cracks, mold growth, and deterioration of walls and ceilings. The study also showed that damp classrooms negatively influence students’ concentration, comfort, motivation, and general learning experience, leading to lower academic performance. Furthermore, respondents agreed that effective strategies for mitigating dampness include the installation of damp proof courses (DPC), provision of proper drainage systems, use of damp proof membranes, and adoption of sound construction and maintenance practices. The study concluded that dampness poses a major structural and educational challenge in the institution, compromising both the durability of buildings and the quality of the learning environment. It was recommended that proper preventive measures such as adequate drainage, regular maintenance, and installation of damp proof systems be adopted to preserve building integrity and improve students’ academic performance.