Assessing the Underlying Strategies for Facilities Management Practice in a Nigerian Polytechnic

Abstract

The level of facilities provided in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has a corresponding influence on the performance of the students. However, the deplorable conditions of facilities in most HEIs cannot sustain successful teaching and learning experiences among lecturers and students alike. Effective facilities management Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the present condition of physical and learning facilities in Federal Polytechnic Bida Niger State, and to find out how the management of such facilities can be improved. Mixed method research design was adopted via the use of quantitative and qualitative approaches for the study. Both questionnaire and interview were used for data collection. 50 questionnaires were administered to selected staff of physical planning/work department in Bida Polytechnic out of which 35 were returned and used for data analysis. The data obtained in the interview phase of the study was analysed through content analysis while the one obtained from the questionnaire was analysed quantitatively. The study revealed that the physical and learning facilities in the institution are in a deplorable condition due to poor maintenance culture by the physical planning/work of the institution. Hence for effective facility maintenance, the study recommends the adoption of a proactive strategy such as cost-focused/control technique for both physical and learning facilities in the institution.