An Investigation into the Compliance Levels of Students’ Hostels to Tenancy Agreements in Awka, Anambra State.

Abstract:

Student housing represents a critical aspect of university life, with significant implications for academic performance and overall well-being. This study was to investigate the compliance levels of students to tenancy agreements in hostels in Ifite, on campus and temporary site, with a view to enhancing compliance to tenancy agreements. The research objectives were to identify categories of student hostels, assess components of tenancy agreements, evaluate compliance levels, investigate reasons for non-compliance, and examine effects of non-compliance in Awka student hostels. The study focused on public and private hostels in these three areas, housing students from Nnamdi Azikiwe University. The objectives of the study informed the drafting of research hypothesis tested for the research study. The study employed a mixed-method approach, utilizing questionnaires and interviews. The population comprised 4,252 students from public and private hostels, with a sample size of 662 (351 public, 311 private) determined using Taro Yamane's formula. Additionally, 61 hostel managers (17 public, 44 private) were surveyed. Out of the 662 questionnaire distributed, 580 were retrieved and found usable, representing a response rate of 87.6% (580) for students and 88.5% (54) for hostel managers. Key findings revealed diverse hostel categories, with public hostels predominantly standard (84.0%) and university-owned, while private hostels offered more variety, including luxury options (15.4%). Financial constraints emerged as the primary reason for non-compliance across both hostel types (65.5% public, 68.9% private).The chi-square test and one-way ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis. The study found a significant relationship between awareness of tenancy terms and compliance levels (χ² = 78.24, p < 0.001). Implementation of standardized agreements showed a positive impact on compliance (F = 32.15, p < 0.001). The research concluded that while challenges exist, there are clear opportunities for improvement in student housing management and compliance levels of students to tenancy agreements. Recommendations include implementing more flexible payment options, enhancing communication of agreement terms, standardizing tenancy agreements, and adopting balanced enforcement strategies. These findings provide valuable insights for improving compliance levels and overall living conditions in Awka student hostels.