THE STATE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES IN HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Facilities such as consultancy services, technical support, safety and security are considered as an important element in today’s institution of higher learning in achieving qualitative education. The purpose of this paper is to explore the state of physical facilities of higher education institutions in Nigeria base on the global best practices. The data was obtained through secondary sources and observation. The Review of related works shown that provision of physical facilities was below average. These facilities facilitate and support Universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of Education to achieve their international goals and objectives. If higher institution of learning wish to produce graduate who will be able to compete favourably in the international job market, there is need to pay more attention to the state of existing facilities in tertiary institutions.

INTRODUCTION

Education in general, and higher education in particular, are fundamental to the construction of knowledge, economy and society in all nations. Therefore, tertiary education is considered throughout the world to be the key to both individual and societal aspirations. For individuals; education beyond the secondary level is assumed to be the way societal esteem, better paying jobs and so on, while for societies; it tends to be the key to technological development, productivity and economic growth.        

The potential of higher education system in developing countries to fulfil this responsibility is frequently thwarted by long-standing problems of finance, efficiency, equity, quality and governance. In Nigeria for example, institutions of higher learning have been facing a lot of problems such as inadequate funding, inadequacy of equipment and facilities, indiscipline among staff and student and so on, which has adversely affected their academic performance. Higher education is the key for the development and achievement of every nation so the need of educational facilities to users cannot be overemphasized. The purpose of teaching and learning process is to bring about desirable change in the learner’s behavior through critical thinking. The process does not take place in a vacuum but rather in an environment structures to facilitate learning. In ideal situation for teaching and learning to take place, there must be adequate infrastructure.  

Consequently, provision of instructional materials has impact on student learning achievement in educational system. School facilities consist of all types of buildings for academic and non-academic activities; equipment for academic and non- academic activities, areas for sports and games, landscape, farms and gardens including trees, roads and paths. Others include furniture and toilet facilities, lighting, acoustics, storage facilities, parking lot, security, transportation, ICT, cleaning materials, food services, and special facilities for the physically challenge persons. Researchers have shown that non-availability and inadequacy of such facilities have great influence on the performance of both students and lecturers in higher institution of learning.

NEED FOR FACILITIES IN SCHOOLS       

 Facilities are materials designed to serve specific purposes. In the school system, there are multiplicity of facilities, which facilitate teaching and learning. They are used;

 (1) To illustrate concepts

 (2) Provide opportunity for firsthand experience

 (3) For experimentation and demonstration

  (4) For scientific investigation and discovery

 (5) To provide diversity of thoughts

 (6) For observation and inquiry

 (7) For development of scientific attitudes and skills

 (8) To protect the individual and also provide comfort Source

ISSUES AND PROBLEMS OF PHYSICAL FACILITIES        

The learning environment in the higher institutions is generally different from the primary or secondary education. Every higher education is built to serve the tertiary education to student based on the various programs offered and therefore, the design and facilities provided in the higher institutions must suit the objectives of the education programs. However, Universities worldwide are facing increasing pressures to produce 'knowledge workers', to respond to perceived competition dynamics, and to maintain and improve quality standards. In Nigeria, there is a growing concern by the public on the quality of university education and the relevance of the universities curriculum to national development.

Part of the problems attributed to these setbacks include: poor funding; lack of infrastructures, lack of frequent curriculum review, inadequate staff training and welfare, students overpopulation, frequent strikes by both the academic and supporting staff and so on. It is very unfortunate that necessary facilities such as sufficient power supply, enough and decent lecture halls, basic chemicals and equipment in laboratories and properly equipped libraries are lacking. Obviously, public universities in Nigeria need to improve a lot in order to parallel the global standard in imparting knowledge, conducting applicable researches, and be responsive to the needs of our socioeconomic development.

Planning and design of educations facilities for schools, polytechnic, colleges and universities, has vital impact on education outcomes. Inadequate structures and facilities, inadequate housing, overcrowded classrooms and inadequate of reading materials. The Nigerian university commission in 2005 recorded over-enrolment out of 25 Federal universities represent 72%were overenrolled. While 13 out of the 19 state universities (representing 68.4%) also overcrowded. Only one of the seven private universities then, (14%) was reported to have overenrolled. Top ten overcrowded universities include five of Federal universities and five universities. With this worst situation no doubt that facilities may be overstretched. School facilities are physical facilities which all individuals have  legitimate right to quality educational facilities, physical space that supports  multiple and diverse teaching programs and pedagogies; including current technologies one that demonstrates optimal cost-effective. Building performance and operation over time, one that respects and is in harmony with the environment and one that encourages social participation, providing a healthy comfortable, safe secure and stimulating setting for its occupants.

These strategic roles and contributions include improving quality working life. Facilities are instrument of productivity; as

§  Tertiary Institutions Facilities

§  General environment, ambience & space

§  Access for disabled & medical facilities

§  Water & electricity

§  Furniture, seats & decks

§  Shops for toiletries & cafeteria

§  Class rooms & lecture theatres

§  Up to date modern & diverse courses

§  Hostel for students

§  Laboratory, library & Sport facilities

§  Computers & ICT multimedia

§  Quality education

§  High morale

SUGGESTION AND THE WAY FORWARD

1.     Proper keeping of data and statistical to teachers and learning will enhance effective management.

2.     Funds allocation for the procurement of teaching resources should not be misused by lecture or school administrative.

3.     They should be policy of maintenance management and utilization for proper accountability.

4.     Government should provide adequate infrastructure and teaching resources.

5.     Utilizing the teacher resources: this demand the proper utilization of a particular teaching recourses by the teacher, if firm for instance is to be used and make them show proper. Image should be in proper focus and projected above the heads of the class viewer.

CONCLUSION     

 As this availability, adequacy and quality of school facilities affect the morale of the students and their academic performance it stands to reason that facilities must not be only available but must be adequate and in good condition in order to encourage students achievement in higher education especially in developing country like Nigeria quality manpower supply and well trained graduate who can compete in the international market. If higher institution of learning legitimately wish to produce graduates who will be able to compete favourably in the international job market, there is need to pay more attention to the state of existing facilities in tertiary institution.

REFERENCES

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Adeogun, A. A. (2001). Instructional resources and school effectiveness in private and public secondary schools in Lagos State. Lagos Journal of Educational Administration and Planning.

Agusiobo, B. C. (1994). Including higher level of resource utilization in the integrated science teaching. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. University of Lagos.

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