STUDENTS’ PERCEPTION WITH HOSTEL FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION IN FEDERAL COLLEGE OF FORESTRY, JOS

Abstract

Students’ housing is a major form of accommodation with requisite facilities that will enhance
academic performance for college students who are in a transitory stage of life. This research
paper aimed to investigate students’ perception of hostel facilities and environmental conditions
at Federal College of Forestry, Jos. The study adopted a survey research design. The study
utilized structured questionnaires and observation techniques to obtain primary data from
students. Simple random sampling was used to select five hostels in the study area. A total of
185 questionnaires were distributed, and 172 were retrieved representing 92.97%, used for final
analysis. Tables, percentages and photographs were used to present the results of the research.
The study revealed that there is dissatisfaction with some hostel facilities, while facilities such as
electricity supply, students’ common room has a positive perception of the students. However,
dirty and unkempt environment as well as poor landscaping is adjudged factors that contribute to
unhealthy environment of the hostels. The study therefore recommends the need for the school
management to pay close attention to the provision of new hostel designs with more facilities
and improvement of the hostel’s environment through appropriate landscaping.