Ergonomic Furniture Design for Primary School Pupils in Rural Communities of Kebbi State

This project investigates the ergonomic adequacy of furniture currently used by primary school pupils in rural communities across Kebbi State, North West Nigeria. Poorly designed classroom furniture contributes to postural disorders, reduced concentration, and diminished academic engagement among young learners. Existing school furniture in the study communities was found to be standardised without regard for the anthropometric variation of pupils aged six to twelve years. Using anthropometric measurements collected from three hundred and twenty pupils across five local government areas, this project develops adjustable desk-and-seat prototypes that accommodate the physical dimensions of the target population. Materials selected include sustainably harvested timber and recycled metal components available within the regional market. Prototype testing was conducted over a four-week period during which teachers and pupils assessed comfort, stability, and ease of use. Results demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in seated posture and self-reported comfort compared to existing furniture. Cost analysis confirms that the prototypes can be manufactured locally at competitive prices. The study recommends that the Kebbi State Ministry of Education adopt ergonomic standards for school furniture procurement and engage local artisans in production. This project advances the discourse on child-centred design within Nigerian public education and provides a replicable model for other states in the North West zone. Keywords: ergonomic furniture, primary education, anthropometrics, Kebbi State, sustainable materials.