POST-OCCUPANCY EVALUATION OF STUDENTS HOSTEL FACILITIES IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

The availability of adequate student facilities in Universities generally and hostels in particular is one of the key factors that have effects on the overall academic performance of students on campuses of institutions of higher learning. The social integration of students contributes to the overall satisfaction of students. The hostels in the Federal Universities of Nigeria and North Central in particular are not measuring up to the modern needs of students in the provision of students housing and it is not certain that Post-Occupancy Evaluation has been carried out as regard to hostel users' needs. The study assessed student’s facilities in hostels of Federal Universities in North Central Nigeria with the aim of reviewing the present status of student hostels in order to improve on students living conditions. The data was gathered by the use of questionnaire and observation schedule and the SPSS software was used to analyse the results. The research concludes that overcrowding, inadequate spaces, non- availability of recreational spaces and lack of internet services are challenges in hostels. The study recommends that there should be a periodic Post Occupancy Evaluation of the facilities in hostels of Federal Universities to determine the adequacy and state of the facilities for improvement where necessary.