PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF MANAGING STUDENT HOTELS IN NIGERIA
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PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF MANAGING STUDENT HOTELS IN NIGERIA
CHAPITRE ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Nigeria, with 114 authorised academic institutions, is the largest university system in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Okoh (2004). More than half of these facilities have more than 20,000 pupils. Over the last few decades, student enrollment at Nigerian universities has increased significantly.
However, the increase in students has not been matched by an increase in student housing, and those that are available are poorly managed. According to the National Universities Commission, the supply of student accommodation is less than 30% of the demand. The great majority of students reside in privately rented housing.
The majority of Nigeria’s “first generation” universities have discontinued sponsoring student housing. Many of the newer colleges have opted for private sector participation, albeit the quality of housing varies greatly.
Enrollment in higher schools is increasing at a rate of 12% per year on average, and the supply of new purpose-built student housing is restricted. This presents prospects for the building of student housing in numerous Nigerian cities.
According to Akpan (2000), developers and universities could collaborate on new housing through build-operate-transfer agreements. There are also chances to improve the management of existing housing. “While the majority of institutions may be reluctant to give up control, the deteriorating condition of the majority of university-owned halls of residence indicates the need to manage these assets in a different way.”
Student housing should also place a major emphasis on innovation and sustainability. “Developers must be innovative in their approach to design, providing functional housing that incorporates students’ basic needs while also providing additional facilities and services such as laundry, internet services, relatively constant electricity,
water supply, shuttle services, and so on.” “The university community should be at the forefront of sustainability issues, as evidenced by development and management (FRN, 2008).”
Okoh (2004) stated that in the future, the availability, quality, and pricing of student housing will be critical components for institutions to attract high-quality students. The growing number of students enrolled in higher institutions in various Nigerian towns has created major accommodation issues,
with campus hostels unable to meet demand. The establishment of private off-campus hostels was once viewed as a solution, but landlords have taken advantage of the increasing demand by raising rents, leaving students in a financial bind. They have sought assistance from the government.
The student population in tertiary institutions has steadily increased, with the majority of them strengthening their teaching, administrative, and research infrastructures.
However, no effort has been made to provide new housing for students and staff.
This is supposedly an intentional resource allocation policy, with tertiary institutions – both regional and national – unwilling to devote financing to housing (Akpan, 1998).
Many postsecondary universities have huge plots of land available for the construction of student hostels. However, it is argued that private sector representatives on university governing bodies have discouraged government investment in campus housing.
According to critics, owners of houses and property near campuses submitted offers to university officials to develop low and affordable housing for students. According to reputable sources, some university officials got bank loans to construct hostels run by businesses whose owners are frequently relatives.
“The explanation behind this unusual policy is not far-fetched. Members of the property class who have invested in the development of these hostels will naturally desire their investment to pay profits,” Akpan (1998) observed.
Today’s students are suffering at the hands of hostel owners whose primary goal, it has been said, is to maximise profit with little regard for students’ well-being. Students have also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a learning environment in private hostels. When you enter most private hostels in Nigerian institutions, you get the sense that you are in a shopping mall (Ubong, 2001).
Some of these dormitories have been converted into tiny markets with hawkers. The hostels are particularly noisy at night and on weekends, and mobility in and out of the hostels is not controlled.
However, using the University of Uyo Hostel as a case study, the researcher will present an outline of the issues and potential of managing student hostels in Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The administration of student hostels in Nigerian universities has recently come to the forefront of research due to the continual growth in the student population in tertiary institutions, which has produced the demand for infrastructure expansion, including lodging facilities. However, no effort has been made to provide new housing for students and staff.
This study seeks to determine whether this is a purposeful resource allocation policy, with tertiary institutions – at the regional and national levels – unwilling to contribute financing to accommodation despite the enormous challenges experienced by students as a result of this unsatisfactory circumstance.
Poor administration of the school-owned hostel lodging resulted in the creation of off-campus student hostels. This advancement has not been able to eliminate the management issues associated with student hostels. However, the researcher will present an analysis of the issues and potential of managing student hostels in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The following are the study’s objectives:
1. To investigate the issues with student hostel management in Nigerian universities.
2. To investigate the opportunities for student housing administration in Nigerian universities.
3. To identify methods for reducing management issues in Nigerian university hostels.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
1. What are the issues with student hostel administration in Nigerian universities?
2. What are the prospects for student hostel management in Nigerian universities?
3. What are the methods for reducing management issues in Nigerian university hostels?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The following are the study’s implications:
1. The study’s findings would enlighten the general public on the situation of hostel accommodation in Nigerian colleges, taking into account the challenges and prospects.
2. This research will also serve as a resource for other academics and researchers interested in conducting additional research in this sector, and if utilised, it will go so far as to provide new explanations for the topic.
1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This research will provide an overview of the issues and potential of managing student hostels in Nigeria, with the University of Uyo student hostel serving as a case study.
STUDY LIMITATIONS
Financial constraint- A lack of funds tends to restrict the researcher’s efficiency in locating relevant materials, literature, or information, as well as in the data collection procedure (internet, questionnaire, and interview).
Time constraint- The researcher will conduct this investigation alongside other academic activities. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
A room, a group of rooms, or a building in which someone can reside or stay.
Hostels are places that offer cheap meals and housing to a certain group of people, such as students or workers.
The process of dealing with or controlling objects or people is referred to as management.
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