ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN PUBLIC COLLEGES OF EDUCATION IN OYO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated environmental sanitation and waste management practices in public Colleges of Education in Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on the College of Education, Lanlate, and the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined a descriptive survey with a case study, data were collected from 300 respondents through structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and on-site observations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (means and percentages) and multiple regression, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Results show that environmental sanitation practices are generally low, with mean scores for facilities and maintenance falling below the acceptable benchmark (Mean = 2.39, SD = 0.81), and regression analysis confirmed that institutional factors such as funding, policy enforcement, and personnel availability significantly predict sanitation outcomes (R² = 0.52, p < 0.001). Waste management systems were largely unsustainable, with minimal recycling or sorting practices. Behavioral factors, including sanitation awareness, had a smaller but significant effect (R² = 0.11, p < 0.05). Guided by the Health Belief Model and Institutional Theory, the study highlights that both individual behavior and organizational capacity jointly shape campus sanitation outcomes. The study concludes that current sanitation and waste management practices are inadequate for maintaining a healthy learning environment and recommends prioritizing institutional strengthening, sustainable waste systems, and targeted behavioral interventions.