ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to undertake an appraisal of facilities management in school hostels using the University of Benin halls of residence as a case study. The study used both descriptive and quantitative survey research method. The purposive sampling technique was used with a sample size of fifty (50) porters from the University of Benin halls of residents.
A structured questionnaire was used by the (me) researcher to obtain information from the respondents of this study based on the research objectives of this study which include: Examine the present condition of facilities in Uuniversity of Benin halls of residence, Identify the current management practices in the University of Benin halls of residence, Identify the challenges in the facilities management in the University of Benin halls of residence.
The Data obtained from the study revealed that the overall condition of the facilities in the University of Benin halls of Residents is fair enough, thought student accommodation is what requires immediate attention. It was also revealed that the halls of residence have not experience recent upgrade or renovation. In terms of cleanliness and hygiene standards it is neutral. There is no safety in the hall of residence. On the current management practices, it is neutral to say they are effective, both the hostel porter and the estate division staff are responsible for the daily management of the hall of residence, there is a standard procedure to report maintenance issue in the hall of residence. They have to do inspection on the facilities on a daily bases. There are measures in place to ensure that the facilities are managed well. On the challenges faced in the school facilities lack of adequate maintenance budget is an issue, poor coordination between staff is another issue, inadequate staff training, and lack of modern facilities.
The study recommends that in order to enhance the facilities of the hall of residence staff should be trained, the facilities need to be upgrade to modern standards, regular maintenance schedules, Finally, it is important to note that the poor maintenance culture and practice which is obvious even in the maintenance of various big structure lack resource to manage them. Strategies, methodologies and techniques for effective.
The bottom line is that availability of facilities in the school is important but more importantly is the effectiveness and efficiency in the management of facilities to achieve the desired goals. In a university, the desired goal is a conducive environment that will encourage education, research and outreach.
