Management Challenges of Students’ Accommodation in Private University in Oyo Town

Abstract

The provision of student’s hostel is a crucial supplement to education of higher learning, as this is expected to enhance students’ well-being and overall performance. Using a cross-sectional design survey, the study assessed the management of the students’ hostel in Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, a private institution. Through interviews, focused group discussion and questionnaire administration, the study evaluated those responsible for the management of student’s hostel, it examined the management strategies deployed, the challenges in the management, as well as analysed the level of student’s satisfaction with the management strategies employed. The study adopted descriptive statistical approach in the analysis of the data collected. Findings in this study shows that emergency management approach (EMA) to management issues was adopted as against the predictive, corrective and preventive maintenance and management strategy. It was shows that both the Hostel supervisors and the students were strongly dissatisfied with the management strategy adopted in the management of the hostels. The challenges encountered was the bureaucratic process of obtaining permission from the Hostel providers before repairs were carried out on the facilities. The lack of the proper allocation of responsibilities between the service providers and the university management as to who should handle what, posed a great challenge in the management of the student’s facilities and of course non-remittance of funds to the hostel providers. The gradual dilapidating state of some of the hostel facilities led to some antisocial behaviours of some students within and around the hostels. Other notable challenges that affected the management strategy of these student's hostel accommodation were dual ownership and lack of proper and detailed working memorandum of understanding. Others were lack of effective supervisors’ complaint system about deficiencies in the facilities and delay in response to repairs, even emergencies. The paper recommends a total overhauling of the facilities as well as outsourcing the management of such property to Estate Surveyors and Valuers who were competent, skilful and trained in the art and science of real estate management, to avert a total collapse and retain the integrity of the properties. A standard hostel facility with good management strategy put in place, will attract more patronage and enhance academic performance.