Facility Management Factors and Staff Perceptions of Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Private Universities in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

The quality and management of educational facilities are important determinants of institutional performance, yet the rapid expansion of private universities in Nigeria has placed growing pressure on existing physical and academic infrastructure. This study examined the influence of facility management factors, condition of facilities, adequacy of facilities, factors influencing facility management, and management strategies on staff perceptions of students’ academic performance in five private universities in South-West Nigeria: Bowen, Covenant, Babcock, Caleb and Trinity Universities. A survey design was adopted, and a proportionately allocated sample of 346 staff was drawn from a population of 3,743; 270 questionnaires were validly completed (78.0% response rate). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression at the 5% significance level. All four dimensions correlated significantly and positively with perceived academic performance: condition of facilities (r = 0.267, p = 0.001), factors influencing facilities (r = 0.391, p < 0.001), management strategies (r = 0.447, p < 0.001) and adequacy of facilities (r = 0.324, p < 0.001). The combined regression model was significant, F(4,138) = 11.756, p < 0.001, R² = 0.254, but only management strategies (β = 0.391, p = 0.001) and factors influencing facilities (β = 0.255, p = 0.002) remained significant independent predictors. The study concludes that effective management of facilities, rather than their mere physical availability, is the stronger determinant of staff-perceived academic performance, and recommends preventive maintenance, dedicated facility management units and stronger institutional policy support.