Assessment of Maintenance Management Culture of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

Abstract

Buildings are critical factors in achieving desirable outcomes for tertiary institutions. Any inadequacy in building facilities represents a loss in value of the institution, its users and stakeholders. Hence, institution buildings require maintenance in order to create a conducive environment that supports and stimulates learning, teaching, innovation and research as there seems to be a strong correlation between learning and the environment in which knowledge is imparted. In this research, maintenance management structure of tertiary institutions was assessed and the usual maintenance procedures as well as means of funding maintenance activities in the institutions were examined and evaluated. Data used for this research work were collected using structured questionnaires and interview which were administered to workers of the various departments in charge of maintenance work. Data received were analyzed using simple statistical tools such as mean item score, percentage and frequency. The research shows that institutions have a structure in place to carryout maintenance work but do not have a formal organogram showing the hierarchy flow of authority and that maintenance department is characterized by inexperienced staff. It also revealed that maintenance works are properly funded but characterized by frequent occurrences like underestimating and cost overrun. The research recommends that the institution should have a formal organogram to show the distribution of power and to carry out proper training of maintenance staff especially the quantity surveyors in preparing maintenance budgets.

Keywords: Tertiary Institutions, Maintenance, Maintenance Department, Maintenance Practice, Nigeria.