THE ROLE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the Role of school facilities in academic performance of University students: A case-study of the University of Benin. Five (5) research questions were raised to guide the study. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population of this study comprised of two hundred (200) students from different Faculties of the University of Benin. The sample size of this study was made up of one hundred (100) students from different Faculties of the University of Benin. A proportionate sampling technique of 50% was used to arrive at the sample size of the study. The instrument used for data collection for the study was a well-structured questionnaire titled “Role of School Facilities in Academic Performance of University Students Questionnaire (RSFAPUSQ). The instrument for data collection was subjected to face validity by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts from the Department of Vocational and Technical Education, Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin City. To establish the reliability of the instrument, the internal consistency of the items were measured using the Cronbach alpha statistical tool. It yielded an alpha value of 0.86. The study used statistical analysis methods including mean, standard deviation, two sample independent t-tests to investigate the Role of school facilities in academic performance of University students. Findings indicated that the lack of facilities would highly retard learning, affecting the students performance and limiting their knowledge, Adequacy and quality of facilities also determines and highly affects the performance of students in the University of Benin and Extra-curricula facilities helps improve students’ academic performance highly. Recommendations include Government should ensure a worthy amount is allocated to infrastructural improvement in all Universities, Government should ensure equitable distribution of resources and address disparities and also provide special funding for facilities managements, Government should foster community and individual involvement in the funding of institutions and facilities and there should be regular monitoring and assessment of facilities Based on the findings of the study, it was concluded that school facilities have very many effects on the academic performance of students.