APPRAISAL OF THE PERFORMANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ONDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Buildings are critical factors of production in achieving desirable outcomes for tertiary institutions all around the world. Therefore, any inadequacy in building facilities represents a loss in value to the institution, its users and other stakeholders. With the ever dynamic nature of the construction industry, coupled with the poor performance of construction works that has characterized the Nigerian construction industry, there is the need to appraise the performance of construction projects being carried out in tertiary institutions. This research therefore appraised the performance of construction projects in tertiary institutions in Ondo State, Nigeria, using a case study of 66 selected building projects in 5 different public tertiary institutions. The cost, time and sustainability performance of these selected building projects were assessed through the use of well-structured questionnaire and a proforma. Also the factors responsible for these level of performance were assessed and the possible measures for improving these performance were proffered. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean item score, paired-samples T-Test, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis Test and Crobanch alpha Test. The study revealed that the cost performance of most building projects in tertiary institutions in Ondo State is gradually improving as 4.78 percent deviation of the final cost of construction from the initial estimated cost was discovered on all assessed projects. Poor performance is still being experienced in area of time as a percentage deviation of 130.25% was discovered. An average sustainability level of 52.9% was observed. The major factors influencing the cost performance of construction projects in tertiary institutions can be categorized under the; financial management, contractors site management and project management and contract administration related factors, while those of time can be categorised under the; client, external, and labour and equipment related factors. For sustainability performance, the major influencing factors include; inadequate awareness of the concept and benefits of sustainability and poor awareness of all related legislation and complying with same. The study therefore concludes that cost performance of construction projects in tertiary institutions in Ondo State is gradually drawing towards a successful performance level while poor performance is still being experienced in terms of time. Sustainability is still on the average, hence strict government policy on sustainable construction and enforcing of same is necessary. Also involvement of professionals from the early stage of the project, use of contractor with the right experience and competence, care in quantity take-off, and forecasting of fluctuation in the price and inculcating same into the initial estimate were also recommended.