Impact of a Tertiary Institution on the Infrastructure Development of the Host Community

Abstract

Federal university of Technology, Minna developed its main campus in Gidan-Kwano and started operation in 2005. This work examines the impact of university on the host community. Landsat imageries were used to monitor spatial growth in Gidan-Kwano between year 2005 and 2015. Ground survey data were collected from Federal university of Technology, Minna, Estate Agents, Property developers, Power Holding Company of Nigeria and Ministry of Lands and Housing. ILWIS was used to analyse the satellite imageries while Analyze-it was used for the analysis of the ground survey data. Findings revealed that residential land use which stood at 8.87% of the total land use in 2005 has now grown to 25.19% in 2015. There are other infrastructure attracted to the area during period under review. However, the growth has been marked with problems of uncoordinated development and inadequate infrastructure. The ever increasing population of the university will continue to attract physical development and if the growing development is not coordinated by enacting master plan, there will be chaotic and haphazard development. The study has revealed the spillover effects of locating university. It has also unfolded the pending danger of uncontrolled development. A comprehensive master plan should be developed for the community.