Pupil Pedestrians’ Challenges in High-Density Areas of Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

This research investigated the challenges primary school pupils in high-density areas of Lagos Metropolis

encounter while commuting to school. Data were sourced primarily from pupils and guardians/parents on

behalf of pupils. The new urbanism theory and walkable city concept were employed to explain the required

expectations. A total of 327 pupils were sampled from an estimated 1,416,941 pupils in the Lagos metropolis,

using the Cochran sample size formula. The multistage sampling technique was employed, as the subjects of

interest were first grouped into categories of school ownership (private and public) and then into the various

densities they fell into. Samples were selected randomly, while the collected data were analysed using frequency

tables. Activities of commercial motorcyclists were rated most challenging (1.82 Challenge Severity Index [CSI]),

while vendor activities on pedestrian bridges were rated least severe (1.45 CSI) out of a possible 3.0. Also

considered challenging to pupil pedestrians were bad surface quality of walkways, absence of bollards for

protection against vehicles, absence of crosswalks/zebra crossing, lack of pelican signal, walkway obstructions,

vendor activities on pedestrian bridges and damages or missing slabs. The study concludes that the challenges

encountered by pupil pedestrians were severe, as they were averagely rated 1.82 CSI of a possible 3.0 value. It

was recommended that walkway surfaces be maintained periodically, bollards and pelican signals be installed,

and damaged slabs being used as walkways be replaced immediately to forestall accidents in areas such as

Agarawu-Obadina, Iju-Ishaga and Obawole.