Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in Selected Nigerian University Entrepreneurship Incubation Centers

This study examines the impact of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) on mental well-being and productivity in selected Nigerian university entrepreneurship incubation centers. Despite the critical role of these centers in fostering innovation and economic development, little attention has been paid to the indoor environmental conditions that influence their users. The study addresses this gap by evaluating IEQ factors (air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics) and their effects on occupants' psychological and performance outcomes. A mixed-methods case study design was employed, focusing on 199 users from three Nigerian universities representing federal, state, and private institutions: the University of Ibadan, Gombe State University, and Covenant University. Data were collected via structured questionnaires administered to users of these centers and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation, regression analysis) in IBM SPSS. Key findings revealed that lighting (Mean=2.0) and air quality (Mean=2.1) were the highest-rated IEQ components, correlating strongly with mental well-being (r=0.51 and r=0.45, respectively) and productivity (r=0.47 and r=0.38). Regression analysis further identified lighting as the most significant predictor (β=0.40 for well-being, β=0.35 for productivity), explaining 58% of variance in well-being scores. Conversely, acoustics (Mean=2.4) and thermal comfort (Mean=2.3) scored neutrally, indicating areas needing intervention. Although the study is limited by its focus on only subjective user perceptions from three institutions, which can limit its generalization, it underscores the necessity of optimizing IEQ in incubation centers to enhance user experience and output. Recommendations include prioritizing natural lighting, improving ventilation, implementing acoustic zoning, and integrating ergonomic designs. These findings contribute to evidence-based strategies for designing healthier, more productive entrepreneurial spaces in Nigeria and similar contexts. Future research should incorporate objective IEQ measurements to validate perceptual data and explore cultural adaptations for tropical climates.