M. O. Ajibola

A Study on Students’ Choice of Programme in the University

Abstract The study examined the choice of programme that students’ offered in the University, especially in the built environment. Questionnaire was administered on 100 Level students in the Departments of Architecture, Building Technology and Estate Management of Covenant University, Ota. A total of 136 copies of questionnaire was retrieved and used for analysis as contained in the study. The study revealed that 79.4% were in the University based on their parents’ choice while 90% are responsible for the choice of course (programme) they are pursuing in the University based on personal interest. About 69.9% of the students dislike the University which may be a factor to be considered in their academic performances. It is therefore very important that, even though the students are very tender in ages, respect should be given to their opinion in taking decision(s) on issues that border on their lives. Parents should always take time to talk things over with their wards rather than imposing their opinion on the children.

QUALITY OF ACADEMIC FACILITIES IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN NIGERIA: ARE STUDENTS’ NEEDS MET?

The quality of facilities in educational institutions has been on the increase globally and is receiving much attention in educational research. This is necessitated by the fact that higher educational institutions worldwide are facing commercial competition imposed by economic forces resulting from the development of global education markets. In view of this, this study assessed students’ perception of the quality of academic facilities in private universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. This is with a view to improving the quality of university facilities in order to provide a conducive learning environment for students which will aid in good academic performance. 954 questionnaires were randomly administered to students in five private universities in the study area and a response rate of 71% was achieved. Using descriptive statistics, the results revealed that their needs were fairly met with the majority of the facilities sampled in the library, ICT laboratory and classrooms. The study recommended that facility providers should take note of the facilities whose quality students perceive as not meeting their needs, so as to be able to respond appropriately. This will entail ensuring that provision is made for such facilities in terms of budgeting for upgrading or replacement

Factors Influencing the Choice of Wetland Valuation Methods in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

The focus of wetland valuation is on determining the compensation payable to the expropriated individuals or communities. In the conduct of wetland valuation, the Estate Surveyor and Valuer is faced with choosing the appropriate method(s) to adopt, hence this study examined the various factors considered by the Estate Surveyor and Valuer in choosing the method(s) he adopts. Seventy – two (72) questionnaires were retrieved, collated, analysed and presented using frequency distributions and percentages, relative importance index (RII) and principal component analysis (PCA). The study revealed that in valuing wetland resources, data availability and accessibility (RII = 4.16), availability of substitute sites (RII = 3.49), limitations of valuation methods (RII = 3.47) and people’s perception (RII = 3.00) are the major factors considered in the choice of wetland valuation method(s). The study further revealed that only 5.5% of the respondents took any course in environmental valuation while in school. Also, the course has not been included in the professional examinations conducted by the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). The paper recommends that both NIESV and higher institutions offering Estate Management courses should include environmental valuation in their curriculum, to ensure that Valuers are properly trained in the use and application of appropriate techniques of environmental valuation.

A COMPARISON OF WETLAND VALUATION PURPOSES IN LAGOS METROPOLIS AND THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Valuation assignments are carried out for various purposes usually determined by the client. Various studies showed that, in addition to the general purposes, wetland valuation could also be required for conservation, rating of oil installations and environmental restitution. The study compared wetland valuation purposes between Lagos Metropolis and the Niger Delta, Nigeria. A total of 163 copies questionnaire were retrieved from Lagos Metropolis while 72 were retrieved from the Niger Delta. In analysing the primary data collected, frequency tables and percentage were adopted. The study revealed that respondents perceived wetland as swampy land, marchland, poorly drained land and infested land. Also the study showed that wetland resources are majorly carried out for loan facilities (98.8%, RII = 4.15) and advice on sales (85.1%, RII = 3.49) in Lagos Metropolis while the prominent purposes for wetland valuation in the Niger Delta are compensation (94.4%, RII = 3.85), rating of oil installations (69.4%, RII = 3.76) and environmental restitution (66.7%, RII = 3.31). The study recommends that NIESV and ESVARBON should compel institutions offering Estate Management to include environmental valuation as a core course and also organise regular professional training/workshop for practicing Estate Surveyors and Valuers. Also, NIESV should incorporate environmental valuation in the curriculum for professional examinations.