Impact of Environmental Degradation and Gully Erosion in Arochukwu On School Infrastructure: Mitigation Strategies for Abia State College of Education (Technical) Arochukwu (ASCETA)

Environmental degradation and gully erosion remain pressing ecological challenges in Arochukwu, causing severe damage to school infrastructure, disrupting academic activities, and posing safety risks to staff and students. This study examined the extent of gully erosion in Arochukwu communities, its impact on school buildings and learning environments, and the mitigation strategies needed for Abia State College of Education (Technical), Arochukwu (ASCETA). A descriptive survey design was adopted. Data were collected from 110 respondents, including school administrators, lecturers, environmental officers, and community leaders. The study was guided by four research questions and three null hypotheses tested at the 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that gully erosion in Arochukwu has led to structural cracks, collapse of perimeter fences, classroom flooding, loss of school land, and restricted access routes. Results also showed that low funding, inadequate drainage systems, poor environmental maintenance, and excessive rainfall accelerate degradation around school infrastructures. Hypotheses testing confirmed a significant relationship between erosion intensity and the level of infrastructural damage in ASCETA. Recommended mitigation strategies include reinforced drainage construction, vegetation cover restoration, community–institution collaboration, and engagement of civil engineering experts in erosion control design. The study concludes that proactive and sustainable environmental management practices are essential for safeguarding educational infrastructure and ensuring long-term resilience for ASCETA.