IMPACT OF HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION ON STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION

THE IMPACT OF HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION ON STUDENTS PERFORMANCE IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION

CHAPTER ONE

1.0       INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the study     

The importance of housing covers the entire aspects of human life. Primarily, it involves physical protection from hazards, which ordinarily may be regarded as shelter, but also provide the setting from many of the basic biological and social processes necessary to sustain life, which permits the healthy growth and development of the mind. Housing as a unit of the environment of man, has a profound influence on the health, social behaviour, satisfaction and general welfare of the community. It reflects the cultural, social and economic values of a society as it is the best physical and historical evidence of civilization in a country(Aluko, 2009).

The student housing has been a major area of concern with increasing student population as a result of increasing interest of students in higher institution of learning over the years. Students are the main target for the establishment of any tertiary institution. Round the world, most of the tertiary institutions provide some kind of student hostels in the forms of residential halls, apartments, dormitories, and so on for the well-being of their students.

It is expected of every tertiary institution to house not only the academic activities, but also the students that are seeking knowledge in various fields of Endeavour; hence student’s accommodation becomes essential. Location of higher institution is farther from the family where students can live with parents, guardians, relatives and loved ones in the confine of family security coexistence.

Housing is a basic human need in all societies and fundamental right of every individual. In advanced countries, housing is more accessible to all categories of people including the poor and the needy as a result of subsidies from the government. The situation is not the same in developing countries. In Nigeria, for example, accessibility to housing by the poor is quite a difficult situation which is worsened by the harsh economic conditions and poor enabling environment. In addition, accessing housing facilities by Nigerian students is no exception, especially where such university operates a non – residential policy (Yusuff, 2010), and the students will be at the mercy of shylock or unscrupulous landlords or house agents.

Housing specifically refers to residential structures where people live and grow. It is in response to man’s natural and legitimate need for a conducive and safe environment for living. Students’ housing (otherwise known as hostel) is an essential component of institutions of learning in all cultures and climates, just as it is imperative for all living organisms, including human, to have an abode that offer protection against the vagaries of weather or environmental hazards.

In Nigeria, students’ housing was traditionally and almost exclusively on-campus when there were few higher institutions and students enrollment. However, increase in student population caused a shift in University on-campus housing policy combined with the spontaneous rise in the development of commercial off-campus students’ housing in University campuses across the country.

The important qualities of good accommodation in any academic environment are numerous. Some of them include clean and conducive environment for learning and social interactions, good mattress or bed, space, good toilet facility, availability of clean water supply, constant electricity supply, security, nearness to campus / classes among others.

From the above scenario of students’ accommodations in most of our universities and other citadels of higher learning, it is therefore presumed that in a situation where a university operates a non-residential policy for her students, the provision of these hostel facilities may be far-fetched. It is against this background that this study seek to Examine the impact of hostel accommodation on the student performance in tertiary institution.

1.2       Statement of the problem

The rise in students’ population, which has led to increased demand for hostel accommodations, has indeed met with renewed interest in sourcing and researching the best practicable approach towards the enablement, efficient and conducive housing environment. It is essential for hostel accommodations providers to provide the basic infrastructural facilities needed by the students that would enhance social interaction and academic excellence.  Such facilities include, toilets, running water, electricity, space, reading room, canteen, buttery, kitchenette, a recreation area and security. Provision of these facilities in good working order is a minimum standard for healthy living and learning, and there is no guarantee that they are readily available. It is a common occurrence for these facilities to either be unavailable or in a state of disrepair, while the students are left with no alternative than to pay for the services that may not necessarily be available. This problems have necessitated this study on the impact of hostel accommodation on the student performance in tertiary institution in Nigeria.

1.3       Aim and objectives of the Study

The general aim of the study is to examine the impact of hostel accommodation on the student performance in tertiary institution in Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study include:

1. To examine the prevailing conditions of hostel accommodation in Nigeria tertiary institutions in Nigeria
2. To examine the management practices for hostel accommodation in Nigerian tertiary institutions?
3. To analyse the major factors affecting the management of hostel accommodation in Nigeria Tertiary Institution.
4.  To evaluate the  impact of hostel accommodation on the students performance in tertiary institution.

1.4       Research questions

            The research questions with respect to this study include the following:

1. What are the prevailing conditions of hostel accommodation in Nigeria tertiary institutions in Nigeria?
2. What are the management practices for hostel accommodation in Nigerian tertiary institutions?
3. What are the major factors affecting the management of hostel accommodation in Nigeria Tertiary Institution.
4.  To evaluate the  impact of hostel accommodation on the students performance in tertiary institution.

1.5       Justification for the study

This study believes that one of the most ignored areas in studies pertaining to the impact of hostel accommodation on the student performance in tertiary institution. The lack of scholarly works in this area of study might be due to paucity of theoretical foundation, relevant research instruments, as well as the unidentified underlying factors. This study attempted to fill some part of this vacuum.

1.6       Significance of the study

The demand for hostel accommodation keeps increasing every year as a result of increase in the population of students admitted in tertiary institutions of learning. This study is significant in the following ways:

1. It serves as an eye opener for hostel accommodation providers in tertiary institution to provide quality hostel accommodation as a result of increase in the demand for hostel by students which will, in turn, generate more income to the providers.
2. It will allow individuals to know the price, per room, associated with hostel accommodations in Tertiary institution.
3. It will allow students to know and compare the qualities of hostel accommodations and the impacts that this will have on their academic performance.
4. It will enhance students to know the choice of hostel accommodation that they should go for that will enhance their safety and academic performance.

1.7       Definition Of Terms

Hostel Accommodation: Hostelaccommodation has been defined  by different scholars, for instance, Khozaei et al. (2010) stated that student accommodation is a hostel which is built within institution where students have access to the university recreational facilities.

School: A school is an institution designed for the teaching of students (or “pupils”) under the direction of teachers          

Facilities: Facilities are buildings, pieces of equipment, or services that are provided for a particular purpose.

Students: A person formally engaged in learning, especially one enrolled in a school or college; pupil: Any person who studies, investigates, or examines thoughtfully.

Performance: Performance planning is a systematic and structured approach to successfully achieve the desired goals of an individual or team throughout the assessment year.

Academic Achievement – Knowledge attained or skills developed in school subjects by test scores.

1.8       Organisation of the study

In this research, the chapters will be arranged accordingly. Chapter one, which is the introductory aspect will include: background to the study, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, research questions, and significance of the study. In Chapter two, a detailed literature will be reviewed. In chapter three, the methodology to be used to accomplish this research will be stated. In chapter four, empirical results will be discussed. Chapter five will give the summary, conclusion recommendations and suggestion for further research.