Maintenance Feedback Mechanisms and Limiting Factors of Post-Occupancy Evaluation in Student Residents of Higher Education Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

A hostel facility’s effective functioning and performance contribute significantly to advancing knowledge and technologies for a sustainable future. Therefore, post-occupancy evaluation (POE) offers the basis for promoting construction projects’ future design and construction quality. The present study thereby examines the maintenance feedback mechanisms and limiting factors of POE to address future occupants’ satisfaction in selected hostels in Nigerian universities. A quantitative research design method was adopted where 340 questionnaire instruments were administered to the student occupants and facilities managers. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistics using a mean score, relative importance index and ranking. The research findings revealed that the maintenance feedback mechanisms utilised both by the student and facilities manager respondents have direct communication channels with the relevant stakeholders. The limiting factors of POE analysed showed that non-availability of information on building facilities, the persistence of maintenance challenges in building, lack of commitment from school management and insignificant improvement on the maintenance challenges were severe factors to be tackled in the studied hostels. Therefore, it is recommended that Nigerian universities’ regulating bodies conduct a building performance evaluation of existing hostel facilities in Nigerian universities and update the procedures guide and physical development manual for Nigeria’s university system.