Assessment of accessibility for persons with disabilities in nasarawa state tertiary institutions

Abstract

Physical infrastructure deficits drive exclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigerian universities, yet empirical audits remain scarce. Purpose: This study assessed the accessibility of physical infrastructure at four tertiary institutions in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, representing the first systematic multi-institutional audit in the region. Methods: A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was adopted, collecting quantitative survey data from 114 PWDs using a structured ten-item Likert-scale questionnaire, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with 12 key informants and field observations. Major Results: Severe deficits were identified across all assessed dimensions, particularly in restrooms, accommodation, adaptive laboratory equipment, and emergency exits. Most mean scores fell below the Likert midpoint, indicating a predominant level of disagreement with adequate accessibility provision. Only entrance ramps at Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa (FPN) scored above the midpoint, yet 40.7% of respondents still disagreed with their adequacy. Statistically significant associations were found between the provision of entrance ramps and access to accommodation, while restroom and accommodation deficits were strongly correlated across institutions. Multiple regression revealed that restroom accessibility (beta = .38) and accommodation provisions (beta = .35) were the key predictors of overall accessibility satisfaction, together explaining 61% of the variance. General Conclusion: All four campuses demonstrated non-compliance with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, with accessibility investment characterised by performative gestures at entry points rather than genuine interior compliance. Recommendation: Universal Design retrofitting, enforceable accessibility audits, disability representation in planning, and dedicated institutional budgets are urgently recommended.