Examination of the effectiveness of facilities management system in tertiary institutions: A case study of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Facilities management is crucial in maintaining effective educational environments, particularly in tertiary institutions. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Facilities Management system at the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, with a focus on identifying current practices and their impact on institutional performance. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 110 Facilities management personnel, yielding a 60% response rate. The study assessed various Facility Management system, including reactive, reliability-centred, predictive, preventive, corrective, and proactive/planned systems. Results indicate a predominance of a reactive approach, with a mean score of 3.95, while proactive and planned approaches scored the lowest. The findings reveal that, despite a well-qualified and experienced Facilities Management staff, the institution's facilities management remains largely reactive and underutilizes proactive system. This study underscores the need for Nigerian tertiary institutions, including Federal University of Technology Minna, to adopt more proactive and strategic Facilities Management practices to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of their facilities management systems. The implications of these findings suggest that addressing challenges such as inadequate funding and outdated infrastructure is essential for improving Facilities Management practices in Nigerian educational institutions.