Exploring the dynamics of sustainable facility management in tertiary institutions in Nigeria: perspectives from Oyo state

Purpose This study aims to investigate the challenges and prospects of Sustainable Facility Management (SFM) in selected tertiary institutions in Oyo State, Nigeria. It emphasizes the integration of economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainability in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Design/methodology/approach A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Data were collected from 100 respondents comprising 40 facility managers, 30 administrative staff and 30 students through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were derived from thematic analysis. Findings The findings reveal that inadequate funding (mean = 4.50), lack of technical expertise (mean = 4.00) and poor maintenance culture (mean = 3.80) are the most significant challenges hindering sustainable facility management. Conversely, the adoption of renewable energy sources (mean = 4.80), implementation of public–private partnerships (mean = 4.70) and leveraging of technology (mean = 4.50) were identified as key strategies for promoting sustainability. The study also notes variability in stakeholder perspectives, particularly regarding resistance to sustainable practices (standard deviation = 1.45). Research limitations/implications The study is limited to tertiary institutions within Oyo State, which may constrain the generalizability of the findings. Future studies could expand the geographic scope and incorporate longitudinal analysis to deepen understanding of SFM dynamics across regions. Practical implications The study provides practical insights for policymakers, administrators, and facility managers. It recommends the formulation of context-specific SFM policies, the implementation of technical capacity-building programmes and the scaling up of successful public–private partnership models to enhance sustainability in tertiary institutions. Originality/value This research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainability in higher education infrastructure in developing economies. It offers empirical evidence and strategic pathways for integrating sustainable facility management practices that align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global sustainability standards.