Assessment of the Conditions of Hostel Accommodation in Federal Polytechnics South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Students are potential work force of any developing nation which the Federal Polytechnics in South-East are inclusive. The hostel accommodations provided by these institutions play significant roles in achieving the goals of parents who send their children to schools to study. The increase in students’ admission into tertiary institutions without corresponding increase in the provision of hostel accommodations with adequate facilities have overcrowded the available hostels and over use of the available facilities. This study titled “Assessment of the Condition of Hostel Accommodations in Federal Polytechnics South-East of Nigeria” has the following objectives: to examine the current condition of hostel facilities in the study area and determine the satisfaction level of the students using the hostel facilities in Federal Polytechnics in South-East. In achieving the enlisted objectives, the study used a quantitative research design. The study involved a population of 270 students from the on-campus students in the institutions used for the study. Out of the population, a sample size of 243 was drawn representing (90.00%) which was used for the analysis. The data obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed using Simple Percentages, Weighted Mean Scores, Standard Deviation and Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI)
where necessary. Pearson’s Correlation test was used in testing of the hypothesis for the study, while SPSS 23.0 version statistical software was used for the analysis of the work. The study identified the bad condition of hostel accommodations and the level of dissatisfaction the students were with their hostel accommodation. The study observed poor security and hostel rules resulting into overcrowding of the rooms by unauthorized occupants. On the test of the Hypothesis, the Pearson’s Correlation test results indicated a significant relationship between the state and condition of the hostels provided and students’ satisfaction in Federal Polytechnics South-East. In view of the observations, the study recommends an increase in the number of hostels to match the high demand in admission into Federal Polytechnics in South-East and the hostels should be in a close proximity to the classrooms. The study also recommends the provision of wide internet connectivity in the hostel environments for researches and carrying out assignments. The study highlights the provision of maintenance manual for periodic maintenance of the facilities and better welfare packages for the hostel porters. This will improve hostel security, check overcrowding in the hostel rooms, reduce noise level, maintain clean and healthy environment and preserve the life span of the sanitary wares in the hostels.