Assessment of the Influence of on-Campus Housing Quality and Facilities on Students’ Academic Performance at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

The management of federal universities in Nigeria has not taken the issue of students’ housing provision as a priority. Hence, demand for on-campus housing accommodations far exceeds the supply and this resulted in the majority of the students living in private residences characterised by poor facilities. This study, therefore, assessed the housing quality and facilities in the undergraduate student’s hostels at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria to investigate its suitability for learning and research. A simple random sampling technique was used for the study. Data were collated from both primary and secondary sources. The data collected were analysed using frequency tables and weighted mean scores for estimating the Housing Quality Indices (HQI) according to a 5-point Likert scale. The academic performance of the occupants before and after moving to the university hostel was equally investigated using a regression analysis to test if a relationship exists among the housing quality, the quality of facilities provided and the academic performances of the students. The result revealed a positive relationship between the academic performance of the students and the quality of housing facilities. A comprehensive maintenance programme of the students’ accommodation within the university campus is recommended for higher academic performance. The study contributes to the body of knowledge in academic performance of students, developing and managing students’ accommodation quality at higher education institutions.