Assessment of building maintenance in Nigerian university system: a case study of University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Abstract

Building maintenance involves preserving a building so that it can retain its economic value and durability. Maintenance is a very important aspect of facilities management that requires planning, because lack of maintenance leads to serious economic loss. This research work was carried out to access the current state of maintenance of public buildings in public ins titutions in Nigeria using the University of Nigeria, Nsukka as a case study. It also proffers solutions to maintenance problems. The field investigation focused on staff residential houses, students’ hostels, offices and classrooms. Questionnaires were us ed to collate data/information on 500 residential apartments, offices and a total of 260 hostel rooms were examined. The results were analyzed statistically. The results show that about 80% of the buildings within the University require immediate maintenance. Maintenance works are also needed at the staff residential buildings, students’ hostels, offices and classrooms. They are also needed in the plumbing works, bathrooms, toilets, doors, windows, the painting, walls, floors, roofs and electricalinstallations of the buildings. 74.60% of the residential buildings need roof maintenanc e, 57.30% need floor maintenance, 60% need wall maintenance, 71.30% need re - painting, and 68.60% need window m aintenance. In the students hostels, 61.70% of the hostels need door maintenance, 59.50% need to have their toilet facilities maintained while 72.40% of the hostels need to have their plumbing works maintained. It is concluded that lack of maintenance policy and funding is the major cause of public building deterioration in University of Nigeria, Nsukka. It is recommended that a holistic maintenance frame work should be adopted in line with International best practices in developed countries. In additio n, the University should adopt preventive maintenance policy by employing outsourcing maintenance services. The University should also introduce the use of one stop shop maintenance services including the use of information and communication technology.

Keywords : Infrastructure maintenance, University system, sustainable building, maintenance culture