Perception of tertiary students on the use and importance of campus green spaces at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Green spaces are essential to student well-being, cognitive functioning, and socialization, yet their underutilization in African universities merits investigation. This study examined tertiary students’ perception of the use and relevance of campus green space at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Using a concurrent mixed-methods research design, the study interviewed 304 students. The findings of the study showed that the major activities undertaken on campus green spaces include meeting friends, group discussion and appreciating the scenery in these spaces. Conversely, the survey results showed that 82.25% and 77.70% of respondents reported never engaging in cycling and jogging in green space, respectively. Overall, the results of the study show that students on the campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology use campus green spaces mostly for academic purposes compared to physical activities such as cycling and jogging. Given that students primarily utilize campus green spaces for reading, group discussions, and other informal academic activities, the study recommends that the University’s Estate Organization should improve frequently utilized green spaces by ensuring the provision of seating spaces and charging ports to support students’ activities.