Influence of Power Supply Reliability on Academic Performance and Project Completion Rates of Architectural Students at Caleb University, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of power supply reliability on academic performance and project completion rates among architecture students at Caleb University. The research adopts a quantitative approach, using a structured questionnaire to gather data from a representative sample of students across BSc, MSc, and PhD programs. Of the almost 700 population, 255 were sampled and the findings reveal that power interruptions are a frequent and significant issue, with 85% of students experiencing outages at least once a week and 60% reporting outages lasting between 1 to 3 hours. These disruptions have a pronounced negative impact on academic performance, with 78% of respondents indicating that power outages have adversely affected their grades. Furthermore, 82% of students reported delays in project completion due to power interruptions, with a substantial number having to redo portions of their work due to unsaved progress. The study highlights a strong correlation between the frequency of power outages and the decline in academic performance, as well as the delays in project completion. Additionally, the psychological impact of these outages, manifested in increased levels of stress and anxiety among 70% of respondents, further exacerbates the challenges faced by students. The research concludes that reliable power infrastructure is crucial for academic success, particularly in technology-intensive disciplines like architecture. Recommendations include improving power infrastructure, implementing energy management strategies, developing contingency plans, enhancing student support services, and fostering collaboration with power utility providers. By addressing these issues, educational institutions can create a more stable and conducive learning environment, thereby enhancing students' academic outcomes and overall well-being.