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MODE OF UNIVERSITIES HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION AND STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Nigeria, like other countries of the world, recognizes education as the major instrument for effecting national development. It is regarded as a catalyst and a means of achieving growth and development, because the socio-economic, political and technological advancement of any nation depends greatly on its educational system. It is recognized as an instrument par excellence for achieving growth, progress and national development, (FRN, 2013). This therefore, underscores the value being placed on the quality and standards which encompasses quality learning, resources inputs, instructional process, manpower capacity development, effective management, monitoring and evaluation as well as quality learning outcome in Nigerian universities. Huge amount of money is invested into the system through budgetary allocations year in year out for the effectiveness of the educational system. Consensus has been reached by stakeholders within the educational system that advanced nations of the world have attained a high level of social, economic, scientific and technological advancement through well planned and implemented educational systems.

Education is the facilitator, the bedrock, the power house and the driving force for the strong socio-economic, political, cultural, healthier and industrial development of a nation as its institutions are the key mechanisms increasingly recognized as wealth and human capital producing industries (Peretomode, 2008). The relationship between education and development is well established such that education is a tool that improves productivity, empowerment and health, as well as reduces negative features of life such as child labour, prostitution, crime and other social related vices. Consequently, World Bank (2004) asserts that education is fundamental to all developing countries if they are to prosper in a changing world where knowledge has become a vital area of advantage

University education refers to the western type of education which is organized after secondary or college education, for the purpose of imparting instruction, examining students, and promoting higher education through conferment of degrees in specialized areas of learning (Decker, 2013). It is an institution of higher learning with teaching and research facilities that provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in various disciplines and other professional courses. According to the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN, 2013), it is given after secondary education. The goal of higher education in Nigeria as specified in section 8 of the National Policy on Education include; the development of individuals through high level relevant manpower training inculcation of proper values for survival of individuals to understand their environment, acquisition of physical and intellectual skills for self-reliance, to promote and encourage scholarship and community service; and promote national and international understanding and interaction, these goals can be achieved through teaching and learning within the framework of the university system (Nomayu, 2017).

Educational performance has a connection with the nature and quality of the school environment. As a result, successful management of the school environment is an essential educational investment. Residential accommodation has a role to play in the academic success, security concern and future life of students at all levels of education. Therefore, the issue of students’ residence should not be neglected by students, teachers, parents, policy makers and administrators of educational institutions. This is because residence is part of students’ social and learning environment (Afatyo, 2016). Choi and Chu (2001) posit that most students may prefer to take accommodation within the school environment. However, with the current challenge of inadequate supply of accommodation facilities, students are compelled to take a house close to the institution to enable them to stay closer and participate in educational activities.

Off-campus residence refers to accommodation which students occupy outside the college or university premises. Yusuff (2010) notes that when a student lives on-campus he or she lives in a dormitory or other type of housing on the school’s property. The author further stresses that off-campus living is usually when the student lives away from campus or in a rented apartment outside the school environment. Choi and Chu (2001) define the concept of off-campus residence as a place which is away from (residing outside) the facilities of the institution. Whether such students are staying with their parents, relatives or rented apartment, once it is outside the properties of the institution, they are staying off-campus.

Abuke (2007) asserts that most parents prefer their children to stay on-campus, but some institutions are not interested in providing on-campus accommodation for their students. Thus, those who may be interested to stay on campus still face the challenge of inadequate hostel accommodation which is caused by the increase in number of students admitted every year by college/ university management without improvement in accommodation facilities to meet up the number of students admitted. This compels most parents to rent apartments outside the college/ university campus for their children to stay and attend school. Parents living within the university environment may decide to keep their children at home and finance their transportation to school. On the contrary, parents who are from distant areas may decide to keep their children with a relative for them to acquire education with less stress.

According to Kuh and Hu (2001), the problems associated with students living off-campus are numerous. One of the challenges confronted by Nigerian higher institutions is violence which has become a major cause of concern that threatens the peace and security of people in off-campus environments while deterring the developmental pace of the Nigerian economy. Today, cultism and cult-related activities, violence, killings, raping and kidnapping have become a recurrent theme in Nigerian campuses and off campuses.

Cronin (2000) notes that students who live off-campus have less security protection agents compared to on-campus students who have access to college/ university employed security agents who protect their lives and properties twenty four hours a day. The author further stresses that off-campus students are often visited by hoodlums, gangs and hooligans thereby harassing the female students sexually and collecting some valuable properties from them. Tzeng (2002) adds that students who live off-campus have frequent cases of hoodlums in the name of cult boys visiting their houses and disrupting their studies, thereby taking alongside materials that are harmful to the off-campus students. Owena (2007) also states that the incessant wave of crime and armed robbery attacks and rape of female students staying off-campus limits other students from visiting the college/ university at night to use its facilities.  Therefore, they resort to the use of available few facilities at hand which may affect their learning that would have enhanced better performance of such students in the institutions.

Olugun (2006) states that students who stay on-campus stay longer in the library compared to their counterparts who stay off-campus. They visit and borrow textbooks and journals from the university library, while their off-campus counterparts under-utilize the library facilities. Abu (2010) adds that off-campus students have limited access to university libraries and laboratories as they spend less time on the campus compared to their counterparts. Consequently, their academic performance suffers. Similarly, Okonkwo (2009) observes that most off-campus students arrive at the school late, thereby missing some lectures.  They also find it difficult to even have seats where such facilities are insufficient. This makes most off-campus students find it difficult to catch up with their academic activities. According to Osaigbovo (2000), most students that stay on-campus have even better access to light, internet services and textbooks than their off-campus counterparts.

The quality or productivity of higher institutions of any kind depends on students’ research. However, when the management does not live up to its expectation of providing on-campus accommodation for students. Students of such institutions are bound to make alternative arrangements by staying off-campus which may lead to challenges such as insecurity, inadequate use of school facilities, tenant-landlords conflict, inadequate involvement in extracurricular activities and exposure to cult-related activities. It is against this background that the paper strives to find out the influence of off-campus residence on students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Niger State.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The management of higher institutions in Nigeria and Niger State in particular is saddled with the responsibility of providing hostel accommodation for students of higher institutions. Sadly, less attention seems to be paid to this aspect of school management which according to Nwagu (2005), has resulted in many students staying off-campus and facing numerous challenges. Such as insecurity, inadequate use of school facilities, non-involvement in extra-curricular activities and exposure to cult-related activities. All these leads to poor learning habits which in turn lead to poor academic performance compared to their counterparts on school campuses.

Off-campus students seem to be more exposed to danger than those that are on the campus. The off-campus students are not placed in one environment. As a result, there appears to be little or no control, regulations or surveillance system put in place as it is provided by the management to guard and protect lives and properties of those students living in the school hostels. Having observed this situation in some tertiary institutions in Niger State, it became imperative to investigate the influence of off-campus residence on students’ academic performance in tertiary institutions in Niger State with focus on insecurity of off-campus residence and inadequate use of school facilities.

1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine mode of universities hostel accommodation and students’ academic performance

Specific objectives include;

1. To analyze the different modes of university hostel accommodation.

2. To examine the relationship between modes of university hostel accommodation and students' academic performance.

3. To assess the factors influencing students' academic performance within various modes of university hostel accommodation.

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the various modes of university hostel accommodation available to students?

2. How does the mode of university hostel accommodation affect students' academic performance?

3. What factors contribute to differences in academic performance among students residing in different modes of university hostel accommodation?

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1. There is a significant difference in academic performance among students residing in different modes of university hostel accommodation.

2. Students living in university hostels with better facilities and services are likely to have higher academic performance compared to those in less equipped hostels.

3. The influence of the mode of university hostel accommodation on academic performance is mediated by factors such as social support, living conditions, and access to academic resources.

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the relationship between university hostel accommodation and students' academic performance. Understanding how different modes of accommodation impact academic outcomes can inform policymakers, university administrators, and students themselves in making decisions related to housing options. Additionally, the study can contribute to the improvement of university accommodation services, leading to enhanced student satisfaction and overall academic success. By identifying factors that influence academic performance within various accommodation settings, the study can also help in developing targeted interventions to support students in achieving their educational goals. Ultimately, the findings of this research can contribute to the enhancement of the overall student experience and academic success in higher education institutions.

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study focuses on exploring the modes of university hostel accommodation and their impact on students' academic performance in Niger State, Nigeria. It encompasses an examination of various accommodation options available to students within the state's universities, including government-owned hostels, private hostels, and off-campus housing. The research will investigate factors such as facilities, services, and living conditions within these accommodation modes and their association with academic outcomes. Additionally, the study aims to identify potential interventions to improve the quality of hostel accommodation and enhance students' academic success in Niger State.

1.8 LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

Several limitations may affect the generalizability and depth of this study. Firstly, the research is limited to universities within Niger State, which may restrict the applicability of findings to other regions or countries. Secondly, the study's scope may be constrained by the availability of data and resources, potentially limiting the depth of analysis. Additionally, factors such as socio-economic background, individual differences, and external influences on academic performance may not be fully accounted for due to the focus on hostel accommodation. Despite these limitations, the study aims to provide valuable insights into the relationship between accommodation modes and academic performance in Niger State universities.

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS

1. Mode of University Hostel Accommodation: Refers to the various types or arrangements of housing provided by universities for students, which can include options such as on-campus dormitories, off-campus apartments, or private hostel facilities.

2. Academic Performance: The measure of a student's achievement in their educational pursuits, typically assessed through grades, examination scores, and overall learning outcomes.

3. University Hostel: A residential facility provided by a university for students to live in during their academic studies, often located on or near campus grounds and offering amenities such as dormitory rooms, communal areas, and support services.

4. Accommodation Facilities: The amenities and resources available within university hostel accommodation, including but not limited to bedrooms, bathrooms, common areas, dining facilities, study spaces, and recreational areas.

5. Student Satisfaction: The degree to which students are content with their living arrangements and the services provided by university hostel accommodation, encompassing aspects such as comfort, safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.

6. Academic Support Services: Resources and assistance provided by universities to support students in their academic endeavors, which may include tutoring, counseling, library services, access to academic advisors, and study skills workshops.

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