THE IMPACT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AMBROSE ALLI UNIVERSITY (AAU) ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF EKPOMA

ABSTRACT

This study explored the socioeconomic impact of Ambrose Alli University on Ekpoma. Data was collected from various respondents around Ambrose Alli University environ. survey method, field work, collecting GPS coordinate was used to collect data from respondents. A total of 400 questionnaire copies were administered to people living around the school premises. The data were analyzed using simple linear regression and pearson correlation coefficient. The former was used to test the significance relationship between rental values (independent variable) and distance from aau premises (dependent variable). The result showed a significant negative relationship between rental values and proximity to AAU premises. The latter test was used to test the relationship between student population and the population of Ekpoma town. The result showed a significant positive relationship between the student population of AAU and the population of Ekpoma town. Lastly, GIS was used to compare the land cover change of AAU campus and Ekpoma town from 1987 to 2023. This analysis showed a concurrent increase in the built-up area of both during the period studied. The host town as the population increases. The majority of respondents indicated increase in rental values, and increased demand for urban services. The planning implication of the above is need for more housing and urban services.