EFFECT OF CAMPUS BUILT ENVIRONMENT ON STUDENTS’ SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES

Abstract

Exploring how campus environmental attributes affect student satisfaction and performance in
higher educational institutions continues to be a critical initiative with less attention given by
researchers in Nigerian universities. The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of campus
development in enhancing student’s sustainable activities by assessing the built environment of
Bayero University, Kano. A total of 245 questionnaires were administered to students of seven (7)
faculties with a view to assessing their satisfaction with campus environment, and 210
questionnaires (87.5%) were retrieved. The questionnaire had three sections: (a) respondents’
demographic characteristics; (b) assessment of 15 attributes on the physical characteristics of
outdoor spaces; and (c) assessment of 16 attributes of infrastructural development. The questions
were structured based on 3-point Likert type scale with “Agreed = 3”, “Neutral = 2” and
“Disagreed = 1”. Penalty scoring was assigned to the variables. Data collected were subjected to
univariate analysis of descriptive and inferential statistics, while Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI)
was used to analyze the scores. The study showed that students were more satisfied with the
following outdoor attributes: Good environmental conditions (M = 2.090), well maintained
environment (M = 2.081), good spatial arrangement (M = 2.044). The respondents were
dissatisfied with sport facilities adequacy which got M = 0.986; secured living environment (M =
0.945) and lighting adequacy (M = 0.911). On the infrastructural development, the students were
satisfied with the administrative building exterior for having an appealing skyline (M = 2.090).
Campus enhanced development (M = 2.044), availability and adequacy of learning facilities (M
= 2.081). While they were dissatisfied with reading on outdoor furniture (M = 0.945);
availability of social infrastructure within hostels (M = 0.911) and provision of campus cafeteria
(M = 0.786). The study concludes that there is the need for proper integration of both outdoor
spaces and infrastructural development for students’ performance with improved comfort and
well-being.