IMPACT OF IMPROPER SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS TOWARDS THE BIOPHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT IN THE FCT, ABUJA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of improper solid waste management on senior secondary school students’ environmental awareness of the biophysical environment in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Specifically, the study addressed three research questions.  A descriptive survey research design was adopted to systematically collect data on students’ perceptions and awareness of solid waste impacts. The population comprised 88,721 senior secondary school students across 90 public schools in the six Area Councils of the FCT. A sample of 382 students was selected using a multistage sampling procedure incorporating stratification, proportionate, simple random, and systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire validated by experts in environmental education and pilot-tested, yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, SD and mean scores, with a cut-off mean of 2.50 for interpreting awareness levels with Four-Likert Scale rating. Findings revealed that students exhibited moderate to high awareness of visible environmental impacts of improper solid waste management, but awareness of broader biospheric consequences, such as ecosystem disruption, biodiversity loss, and soil and water contamination, was limited. Urban students and female students demonstrated slightly higher awareness compared to rural and male counterparts. The study concludes that environmental education enhances awareness and improve understanding of biospheric systems. Recommendations include strengthening curriculum content, gender-inclusive instruction, practical learning interventions, and school-community partnerships to foster sustainable environmental behaviours among students.