Evaluation of the factors Governing Higher Institution Solid Waste Management: case of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the factors militating against sustainable solid waste management in the institution of higher learning, using Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, as the study area. The study utilised primary and secondary data. Primary data were obtained through personal observation, interviews, and the administration of a structured questionnaire in different activity areas of the university. The information requested is on solid waste sorting, storage, collection, transportation, and disposal, as well as the factors influencing solid waste management in the university. The questionnaire was administered to the stakeholders in the four major activity areas of the study area. These are the hostels, staff quarters, academic area, and the market. A total of 306 respondents selected through systematic random sampling of every 10th occupant were administered a questionnaire on the space users. The author's collaborative efforts with four assistants ensured a comprehensive and robust data collection process. The data collected were analysed through inferential statistical methods such as the relative importance index and factor analysis, a statistical technique used to elucidate and rank the variables that contribute significantly to the solid waste management activity. Factor analysis was specifically harnessed to identify and hierarchically order the salient factors responsible for the management of solid waste. The study concluded that the most important factors militating against effective solid waste management are inadequate human and material resources, ineffective institutional framework, the composition and quantity of solid waste generated, inadequate monitoring and evaluation of waste management practices, and lack of technical know-how of the waste collectors.