Background of the study:
Efficient management of public facilities in academic institutions is essential for ensuring a healthy and satisfying campus environment. In universities within Lokoja LGA, Kogi State, the management of public toilets has become a critical concern due to frequent maintenance challenges, cleanliness issues, and resource limitations. IoT-based smart public toilet management systems provide an innovative solution by employing sensors, real-time data analytics, and wireless communications to monitor usage, track cleanliness levels, and trigger maintenance alerts (Chukwu, 2023). Unlike traditional manual inspections that often result in delayed responses and inconsistent service quality, IoT solutions offer continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance. By capturing data on usage frequency, occupancy, and environmental conditions, these systems enable administrators to allocate resources efficiently and address issues promptly (Okoro, 2024). Furthermore, smart management systems can optimize cleaning schedules and reduce emergency repair costs by predicting maintenance needs. The integration of such technologies is aligned with broader smart campus initiatives aimed at improving facility management through data-driven decision-making. In universities, where student satisfaction and health are paramount, IoT-based management systems promise significant improvements in hygiene standards and operational efficiency (Adebisi, 2025). The data gathered can also provide insights into user behavior and facility utilization, which are invaluable for future infrastructure planning and policy formulation. Consequently, the implementation of IoT-based smart public toilet management is seen as a critical step toward creating a safer and more efficient campus environment.
Statement of the problem:
Universities in Lokoja LGA face persistent challenges in maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of public toilets. Existing management practices, largely reliant on manual inspections and reactive maintenance, lead to delays in addressing issues and often result in substandard facility conditions (Ibrahim, 2023). The lack of real-time monitoring prevents early detection of problems such as overuse, equipment malfunctions, and unsanitary conditions. This reactive approach increases operational costs and negatively affects the health and satisfaction of the campus community. Moreover, without data-driven insights into facility usage, administrators struggle to optimize cleaning schedules and allocate resources effectively (Nwankwo, 2024). The inability to predict maintenance needs further exacerbates the problem, leading to a cycle of deteriorating service quality and frequent complaints. Addressing these issues through IoT-based solutions is essential for ensuring timely maintenance, reducing resource wastage, and improving the overall quality of public toilet management in universities.
Objectives of the study:
To design an IoT-based system for real-time monitoring of public toilet conditions in universities.
To evaluate the impact of the smart management system on maintenance efficiency and facility quality.
To develop recommendations for optimizing resource allocation in public toilet management using IoT technology.
Research questions:
How effective is the IoT-based smart management system in improving the cleanliness and maintenance of public toilets in universities?
What challenges are faced when integrating IoT technology into public toilet management systems?
How can IoT-generated data be utilized to optimize resource allocation and cleaning schedules?
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it investigates the potential of IoT technology to transform public facility management in universities. Its findings will offer practical insights into improving maintenance efficiency and user satisfaction, thereby contributing to a healthier and more sustainable campus environment.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the optimization of IoT-based smart public toilet management systems in universities located in Lokoja LGA, Kogi State. It does not cover other public facilities or IoT applications beyond toilet management.
Definitions of terms:
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of interconnected devices that collect and exchange data to optimize operations.
Smart Public Toilet Management: The use of technology to monitor and manage the maintenance and cleanliness of public toilet facilities.
Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous observation and analysis of facility conditions as data is collected, enabling immediate responses.
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