Green Spaces in Private Universities in Southwestern Nigeria: A Multicampus GIS and Survey Assessment

Green spaces (GSs) are essential components of healthy, sustainable, and functional university environments, yet systematic evidence on their availability, quality, and spatial dynamics in Nigerian private universities remains limited. This study assessed the availability, physical condition, and land-use changes of GSs across six private universities in southwestern Nigeria using an integrated geographic information system (GIS), field observation, and survey-based approach. A total of 357 valid student responses were analyzed alongside systematic observations and land use/land cover (LULC) data spanning 2015 to 2024. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and multiple regression modeling were employed. Results revealed widespread provision of sports fields, lawns, and vegetated walkways, whereas ecologically valuable features such as botanical gardens and water elements were absent across all institutions. Although GS conditions were generally favorable, significant interuniversity disparities were observed. LULC analysis showed contrasting trajectories, with some universities expanding green infrastructure whereas others experienced substantial vegetation loss due to increasing built-up development. GS characteristics significantly influenced perceived campus attractiveness (R2 = 0.607, p < 0.05). The study advances the geography of higher education environments in sub-Saharan Africa by providing the first multicampus, GIS-integrated, survey-validated assessment of private university GS conditions in southwestern Nigeria. The findings highlight the importance of GS quality, diversity, and governance for sustainable campus planning and provide evidence-based guidance for green infrastructure policy and management in sub-Saharan Africa and comparable developing regions.