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Corporate Social Responsibility Programmes of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka: Host Community Awareness, Perception, and Satisfaction

Ekpite Jennifer Oghenetejiri, Felixta Chioma Onyenwe, Anjolaoluwa Mumeen Sulyman, Alexandra Chiamaka Ohams, Chinedu Franklin Elechi, Ezealaji Osinachi Stanley, Rita, Glory Osuji, Gladys Chinyere Olumba

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility has become a critical mechanism through which organizations sustain legitimacy and build goodwill with host communities. Universities in developing countries, despite their significant community footprint, remain understudied in this regard. This study examined host community awareness, perception, and satisfaction with the CSR programmes of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka . Anchored on the Corporate Social Responsibility Theory, a survey research design was adopted. Using multi-stage sampling, a structured questionnaire was administered to 204 respondents from three host communities — Nsukka, Obukpa, and Orba — yielding a retrieval rate of 87% (n = 178). Data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. While 89% of respondents were aware that organisations are obligated to engage in CSR, only 53% were aware of UNN's specific community-facing activities. A majority (64%) had personally not benefited from UNN's CSR programmes. The plurality of respondents (29%) rated UNN's CSR as "fair," and 53% found it not commendable. The highest community demand was for social amenities including electricity, potable water, good roads, and security (45%). UNN's CSR is perceived as average and fails to meet the felt needs of its host communities. The study recommends that the university should institutionalize community consultation to align CSR programmes with actual community priorities, and should develop systematic communication strategies to improve CSR visibility. E-ISSN 2545-529x

Keywords

corporate social responsibilityuniversity social responsibilityhost communitypublic perceptioncommunity relationsNigeriahigher education.

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