Degree of Modernity among Residential Areas of Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Modernity is the exposure of societies (especially developing countries) to industrial technology and urban social experience. In an academic sphere today modernity theory relies on the key idea of rationalization to give explanation on the distinctiveness of the modern societies. The rationales for creating fresh federal and state capital cities in the third world especially Nigeria is to accomplish national ambition of a modern capital as a sign of state identity. As a consequence states aspire to be seen as coming of age in terms of development or “catching up with the west”. Improvement in quality of urban life in the course of provision of housing and basic services, and healthier environment is very important aspect of being modern and that is why this paper examined the degree of modernity of residential areas in Bauchi Metropolis to see how areas have improved and modernised in order to keep phase with modernity. The paper specifically assessed the nature of the build up environment, mobility, communication and availability of basic utilities in Bauchi. In order to achieved theses objectives multy-stage sampling was conducted where ten residential areas was purposely selected and subsequently a total of one hundred questionnaires was administered using questionnaire survey to the selected residential areas. A total means score for all the residential areas was used to determined the level or degree of modernity and Jahun, Nursing Quarters, Federal Lowcost, Fadaman Mada and Old GRA were discovered to have higher degree of modernity compare to Nassarawa, Bakaro, Yelwa, Kofan Dumi and Kandahar residential areas. Thus, prioritiesfor improvement in standard of living and physical development should be focused towards Nassarawa, Bakaro, Yelwa, Kofan Dumi and Kandahar residential areas of Bauch Metropolis.