Maintenance of University Facilities in Developing Country: Case study of Lagos State University Ojo Nigeria

Abstract

Cursory study of universities in developing countries has been a subject of concern. This necessitated a study into the
maintenance of Lagos state university Ojo Campus Nigeria with a view to identify certain factors responsible for the deteriorating
state of the facilities and also proffer remedial solution to the problems. The research used both qualitative and quantitative
method. Group focus and in-depth interview are some of the many formal approaches that are used. These include; customer
feedback forms, report or media clip. Data are collected using sampling techniques and structured questionnaire, incorporating a
fixed set and order of questions with a closed list of responses. Out of the Twenty-Two (22) questionnaire sent, only seventeen
(17) were responded to, representing a seventy-seven (77%) response rate. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive
and inferential statistics. The study revealed that; lack of planned maintenance, lack of maintenance policies in the institution,
lack of update security system and qualified personnel are among the major factor influencing deteriorating state of facilities at
the university. The research work concludes that lack of planning approach to maintenance issue and structured maintenance
policy is the banes of the university facilities problem.The study also conclude that there are no regular inspections of the
facilities to check maintenance needs and the university does not use facilities to generate fund, other than government funding
for maintenance purposes. The paper recommends that universities in developing countries should have a good maintenance
policy in place and use facilities for investment purposes to foster increased income to cater for maintenance needs among other
things.