University auditoria and lecture halls play a critical role in teaching and community activities, yet their acoustic quality is often inadequate in Nigeria. This review synthesizes recent studies (2021–2025) on auditorium acoustics and user comfort in higher education architecture, identifying prevalent deficiencies and recommended design strategies. Excessive reverberation (often >1.0 s vs. the optimal 0.5–1.0 s) and high background noise (mean 70–90 dB(A) in campus spaces) have been reported in Nigerian universities, exceeding ideal levels and impairing speech intelligibility. Common noise sources include mechanical equipment and adjacent traffic. Passive treatments such as absorbent ceiling baffles, upholstered seats, acoustic banners, and vegetation barriers are shown to significantly improve acoustic comfort (increasing user satisfaction). Advanced solutions like tunable panels and active sound-field control are emerging internationally. A systematic literature review using the PRISMA framework identified 15 relevant studies, whose findings are summarized in this review. Key recommendations include early integration of acoustic design (optimizing room shape, finishes, and materials) and institutional measures (noise management and performance standards). This review provides evidence-based guidance for architects and campus planners to enhance sound environments in Nigerian university auditoria.
Roberts et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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