Challenges Affecting the Maintenance and Sustainability of Campus Outdoor Spaces in Tertiary Institutions: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abdulbaque Abdullahi

doi:10.56201/ijssmr.vol.12no8.2026.pg481.492

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Challenges Affecting the Maintenance and Sustainability of Campus Outdoor Spaces in Tertiary Institutions: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abdulbaque Abdullahi

Abstract

This study examined the challenges affecting the maintenance and sustainability of campus outdoor spaces in tertiary institutions, using Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria, as a case study. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to identify the major challenges affecting the maintenance of campus outdoor spaces, examine the factors affecting their long-term sustainability, and identify strategies for improving their maintenance and sustainability. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. Data were collected from 250 students and staff of Federal Polytechnic Bali using a structured questionnaire based on a five- point Likert scale. The data were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings indicated that inadequate funding (M = 4.21), poor maintenance culture (M = 4.08), inadequate maintenance equipment and materials (M = 3.96), shortage of skilled personnel (M = 3.88), and irregular maintenance of lawns and vegetation (M = 3.84) were major challenges affecting outdoor-space maintenance. The findings further showed that adequate maintenance funding (M = 4.25), regular maintenance and monitoring (M = 4.18), availability of professional landscape personnel (M = 4.07), and proper landscape planning and design (M = 4.04) were important factors influencing sustainability. Respondents also strongly supported increased institutional funding (M = 4.38), regular inspection and maintenance schedules (M = 4.32), employment of qualified landscape professionals (M = 4.27), and development of a campus landscape-management plan (M = 4.23) as strategies for improvement. The study concluded that the sustainability of campus outdoor spaces depended on adequate funding, professional management, regular maintenance, effective institutional policies, and responsible participation by campus users. It recommended stronger institutional investment and the development of a comprehensive campus landscape-management and sustainability plan.

Keywords

Campus outdoor spaceslandscape maintenancesustainabilitygreen spacestertiary institutionsFederal Polytechnic Bali.

References

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Challenges Affecting the Maintenance and Sustainability of Campus Outdoor Spaces in Tertiary Institutions: A Case Study of Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

References

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