ASSESSMENT OF THERMAL COMFORT IN SELECTED FEMALE HOSTELS AT GIDAN-KWANO, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, NIGERIA

Abstract

The construction and operation of hostel buildings in Nigerian tertiary institutions often overlook thermal comfort, a critical factor influencing occupant health, productivity, and overall sustainability. This study aims to assess the thermal comfort in selected female hostels at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria. A quantitative, descriptive research design was adopted. Data were collected using AirVisual Pro, a high-accuracy monitoring device that measured indoor temperature and relative humidity across three hostel categories, A (6 occupants/room), B (4 occupants/room), and C (2 occupants/room) within the Gidan-Kwano campus for three months. Measurements were analysed using descriptive statistics, graphs, and chart analysis (ASHRAE Standard 55 and CIBSE Guide A benchmarks). Diurnal variations were examined descriptively through hourly mean pattern analysis. Findings revealed that while mean indoor temperatures in most hostel rooms fell within or marginally above the ASHRAE comfort range of 22°C–26°C, relative humidity consistently exceeded recommended limits. Specifically, the mean relative humidity values were 83.4% and 82.2% for Categories A and B, respectively, both exceeding the ASHRAE and CIBSE standards. Category C, with a relative humidity value of 63.6%, was within the standard comfort zone of 40–70%. The study concludes that hostel indoor environments require urgent intervention to align with global thermal comfort standards. The study recommends integrating mechanical ventilation, dehumidification systems, and climate-responsive design strategies, alongside occupant education and regular environmental monitoring. These findings provide empirical evidence to improve thermal comfort and advance sustainable building management in institutional housing.