Okechukwu Elis Nwaulu – Ori1, Linus Asikogu1, Obinna Ukanwa1, Ebikiemo Wokoro Kosipre2, & Abraham Inivie2 (AUTHORS)
1Department of Architecture, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
2Department of Architecture, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Nigeria
Corresponding author: nwauluorielis@gmail.com
ABSTRACT: Effective facility maintenance is a critical determinant of building performance, user comfort, and institutional productivity, particularly in higher education settings. This study assessed facility maintenance practices and users’ satisfaction in selected academic buildings of Imo State University, Owerri. Specifically, it examined maintenance strategies adopted, users’ perceptions of facility conditions, levels of user satisfaction with maintenance services, and the influence of maintenance practices on satisfaction outcomes. A cross-sectional survey research design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to a stratified sample of 298 respondents comprising students, academic staff, and non-academic staff across four selected buildings: the Faculty of Environmental Sciences Complex, the Main Library, the Architecture Studio, and the Physical Sciences lecture halls. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a predominant reliance on reactive (corrective) maintenance strategies, with limited adoption of preventive or predictive approaches. Users expressed low satisfaction with facility conditions across key indicators — including structural condition, lighting, ventilation, sanitation, accessibility, safety, cleanliness, and maintenance responsiveness — with an overall mean satisfaction score of 2.51 out of 5.0. A statistically significant positive relationship was established between facility maintenance practices and users’ satisfaction (rs = 0.614; p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. The study recommends the institutionalisation of proactive maintenance frameworks, increased and ring-fenced budgetary allocation for facility upkeep, adoption of digital maintenance management systems, and the development of a robust facility management policy for the university.
Keywords: Facility maintenance; Academic buildings; Built environment; IMSU