The Evolving Roles of Landscaping in Campus Space Management: Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria in Focus

Abstract

The aesthetic quality of most of the universities’ campus environment in Nigeria deserves attention considering the inadequate, misused and mismanagement of the campuses’ open spaces. This has exerted a major strain on the welfare and productivity of people (staff and students) in the universities. This study identifies the evolving positive roles of landscape in campus space management with a particular reference to the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Random sampling method was adopted to collect data and information from the students, staff and heads of Planning and Horticulture Units of the institution. The results show that, challenges facing landscape planning in the university include inadequate finance, inadequate facilities, management problem and attitudinal problem of landscape users. The study recommends proper use and management of open space, landscape elements, outdoor rooms with various spatial qualities, and provision of enough funds to Planning and Horticulture units for landscape planning and environmental improvements.