Effectiveness of Facility Management Strategies in Federal Tertiary Institutions: Evidence from Niger State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of facility management (FM) strategies in two federal tertiary institutions in Niger State, Nigeria: the Federal University of Technology Minna (FUTMinna) and Federal Polytechnic Bida. Using a descriptive survey design and multi-stage sampling technique, data were collected from 609 respondents comprising academic and non-academic staff, students, and facility management officers. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics, paired sample t-test, Relative Satisfaction Index (RSI), Relative Importance Index (RII), and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results showed that both institutions predominantly adopt reactive maintenance, with FUTMinna applying a hybrid strategy and Federal Polytechnic Bida using a mixed approach. Facility conditions were generally poor, with statistically significant differences in laboratories (p = 0.037), electricity supply (p = 0.032), and access roads (p = 0.013) favouring FUTMinna. User satisfaction was uniformly low to moderate across both institutions (RSI: 0.34–0.69), with no statistically significant inter-institutional difference (F = 0.247, p > 0.05). Funding and financing emerged as the most critical factor influencing FM strategies (RII: 0.97 and 0.93). The study recommends a transition from reactive to proactive FM models, increased budgetary allocation, and adoption of Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to improve facility performance and user experience in Nigerian federal tertiary institutions.