Procurement Delays and Project Performance in Nigeria Public University Infrastructural Project

In recent times, procurement delays have been a major challenge in delivery of infrastructural projects in Nigeria’s public university that causes cost overruns, extended completion timelines and poor quality. Thus, this study investigates the effects of procurement delays on project performance using quantitative and cross sectional survey design for data collections from professionals across public universities in Nigeria through the administration of 260 structured questionnaires. The study make use of descriptive statistics and regression techniques relationship among procurement delays and project performance. The results shows that inefficiencies such as inadequate planning, bureaucratic bottlenecks and poor communication inflate costs of procurement, compromise quality and disrupt schedules which in turn affects institution credibility overtime. The study recommends that improving mode of communication, transparency in procurement processes and adoption of e-procurement system that ensure fast and reliable means of procurement across Nigerian public universities are essential for optimal project performance. The study recommendation will guide researchers, policymakers, contractors and university management in minimizing delays and costs, achieve timely delivery of projects and improve quality of project delivered in Nigeria’s public universities.