MARKSON OPEYEMI KOMOLAFE

The quality of building maintenance in on-campus student hostels plays a critical role in shaping students’ academic experiences and overall well-being. This study examines the impact of hostel maintenance practices on the academic performance of students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Nigeria. A combination questionnaires and interviews were administered; data were collected from hostel residents and maintenance managers to assess the effectiveness of maintenance practices and their influence on student outcomes. A total of 180 students were sampled from two hostels, with responses analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and multiple regression analysis. Findings reveal that while routine and corrective maintenance practices are in place, their effectiveness is limited by resource constraints, delayed responses, and poor implementation. Key maintenance challenges include inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, faulty plumbing, and inefficient waste disposal, all of which were perceived as negatively impacting students’ living conditions. Regression analysis shows a significant positive relationship between students’ academic performance (measured by CGPA) and their perception of hostel maintenance effectiveness, particularly in areas such as restroom condition, water supply, and overall maintenance quality. The study concludes that improving hostel maintenance through proactive strategies, increased resource allocation, and efficient management practices can enhance students’ academic success. ecommendations include the adoption of preventive maintenance measures, digital reporting systems for maintenance issues, and improved supervision of facility management personnel. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on student housing quality and its implications for academic performance in public tertiary institutions.