School-Based Factors And Waste Management In Tertiary Institutions In Calabar Education Zone, Cross River State, Nigeria

This study investigated the influence of school-based factors on waste management in tertiary institutions within the Calabar Education Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria. The research specifically examined three independent variables: waste disposal equipment, enforcement mechanisms, awareness creation strategies and their relationship with waste management practices as the dependent variable. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting students and staff from selected tertiary institutions in the study area. Stratified sampling technique was employed to select a total of respondents, and the school-Based Factors and Waste Management Questionnaire (SBFWMQ) served as the primary instrument for data collection. Data were collected, prepared, coded, and analyzed using inferential statistics (Pearson Product-Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Analysis). The findings revealed that adequate waste disposal equipment, effective enforcement mechanisms, regular awareness creation significantly influenced the management of waste on campus. The study concluded that school-based factors played a critical role in the effectiveness of waste management practices in tertiary institutions. Based on the findings, recommendations were made for improving waste management through provision of facilities, enforcement of institutional policies, continuous awareness creation.