Assessment of Background Radiation Levels at Federal College of Education, Kontagora and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero Using RADEX 1503+: Implications for Radiological Safety in Academic Institutions (Published)
Prolonged exposure to elevated ambient radiation in academic environments may pose health risks to students and staff. While radiological studies have been conducted in southern Nigeria, data for institutions in the North-Western and North-Central regions remain limited. This study presents the first comprehensive radiological assessment of the Federal College of Education (FCE) Kontagora and Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) Aliero. The study aimed to establish a radiological baseline, assess potential health risks, and inform campus safety management practices. Ambient radiation levels were measured at 100 systematically selected points across five campus microenvironments: science laboratories, student hostels, lecture halls, administrative offices, and outdoor pavements. A calibrated RADEX 1503+ digital Geiger-Müller counter was used for field measurements. Exposure dose rates (µSv/h) were converted to Total Annual Effective Dose Rates (TAEDR, mSv/yr) using UNSCEAR-recommended protocols and standard occupancy factors. One-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests (α = 0.05) were used to assess spatial variability. TAEDR values ranged from 0.96 to 1.58 mSv/yr, all below the ICRP public exposure limit of 1 mSv/yr and the UNSCEAR global average of 2.4 mSv/yr. A significant spatial hierarchy was observed (p < 0.001): science laboratories (1.44 mSv/yr) > hostels (1.26 mSv/yr) ≈ lecture halls (1.18 mSv/yr) ≈ offices (1.17 mSv/yr) > outdoor pavements (1.10 mSv/yr). Elevated radiation levels in laboratories are attributed to radionuclide-rich building materials and restricted ventilation, which promote radon accumulation. While radiation levels are within safe limits, microenvironment type significantly influences exposure. The findings advocate for targeted radiation monitoring in high-dose areas, improvements in ventilation, and radiological screening of construction materials. This study provides a replicable model for sustainable radiological safety management in Nigeria’s academic institutions.
Keywords: Aliero, Federal College of Education, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Kontagora, Radiation Levels, academic institutions, radiological safety