Background of the study:
University hostels are critical for ensuring student safety and well-being, yet many institutions continue to face security challenges due to outdated alarm systems and inadequate monitoring. In Gombe LGA, Gombe State, traditional security measures, which rely on manual patrols and static alarm systems, often fail to provide timely alerts during emergencies such as break-ins or fires. The enhancement of IoT‐based smart security alarms can revolutionize hostel safety by integrating motion detectors, door/window sensors, and real-time communication networks (Ibrahim, 2023). These devices continuously monitor the hostel environment and instantly transmit alerts to security personnel and local law enforcement upon detecting suspicious activity. Additionally, the system can be programmed to trigger automated responses such as activating sirens or locking down sections of the hostel, thereby mitigating risks and preventing potential security breaches (Adeniyi, 2024). Cloud-based analytics further allow for continuous monitoring and historical data analysis, supporting predictive maintenance and future security planning (Udo, 2025). With enhanced responsiveness and reduced reliance on manual intervention, IoT-based security alarms can significantly improve the safety of university hostels by ensuring that emergency alerts are both rapid and reliable. The integration of such systems not only increases the overall security posture but also instills confidence among students and parents regarding campus safety, making it a vital component of modern university security infrastructure.
Statement of the problem:
University hostels in Gombe LGA are currently vulnerable to security breaches due to the limitations of traditional alarm systems that rely on manual monitoring and outdated technologies (Ibrahim, 2023). These systems are often slow to respond to security incidents, leading to delayed intervention and increased risk of property damage or personal harm. The lack of real-time monitoring and automated alerting results in gaps in security coverage, leaving hostel residents exposed to potential threats. In addition, manual security processes are labor-intensive and prone to human error, further compromising the safety of the campus. The absence of integrated data analytics and remote monitoring capabilities means that security personnel cannot effectively track or respond to incidents in real time, thereby reducing the overall effectiveness of the security system (Adeniyi, 2024). Financial constraints and limited technological upgrades have prevented the adoption of advanced security solutions, leaving the hostels with a reactive rather than proactive security posture. Without a robust, IoT-based smart security alarm system, the risk of unauthorized access, theft, and other security incidents remains high, negatively impacting the well-being of students and the reputation of the university (Udo, 2025).
Objectives of the study:
To design an IoT-based smart security alarm system tailored for university hostels.
To evaluate the system’s effectiveness in providing real-time alerts and reducing response times.
To recommend integration strategies for embedding the system into existing campus security protocols.
Research questions:
How effective is the IoT-based system in detecting security breaches and triggering automated alerts?
What improvements in emergency response times are observed after system implementation?
How can the system be integrated with current security practices to enhance overall hostel safety?
Significance of the study:
This study is significant as it proposes an advanced, IoT-based solution to enhance the security of university hostels. By providing real-time monitoring and automated alerts, the system improves response times, reduces the risk of security breaches, and creates a safer living environment for students, thereby strengthening the overall security infrastructure on campus.
Scope and limitations of the study:
This study is limited to the development and evaluation of an IoT-based smart security alarm system for university hostels in Gombe LGA, Gombe State. It does not extend to other security applications or different regions.
Definitions of terms:
IoT (Internet of Things): A network of devices that exchange real-time data.
Security Alarm System: A system designed to detect and alert on security breaches.
Real-Time Alerts: Immediate notifications generated when predefined security parameters are breached.
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