AN ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS’ ATTITUDE TOWARDS ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION PATTERN IN SOUTH CAMPUS, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, EDE, OSUN STATE

Electricity consumption has become a major concern in tertiary institutions due to increasing demand, high operational costs, and the need for sustainable energy management. Students, as major users of electricity in campus environments, play a significant role in determining consumption patterns through their attitudes and daily practices. This study assessed students’ attitudes towards electricity consumption patterns in the South Campus of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State. The objectives of the study were to examine students’ level of awareness regarding energy conservation, identify common electricity usage practices, and determine the factors influencing students’ attitudes towards electricity consumption. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 370 students, out of which 347 valid responses were retrieved and analyzed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages. Findings revealed that most students possessed a reasonable level of awareness about electricity conservation and its economic and environmental benefits. However, despite this awareness, instances of inefficient electricity usage were still observed, largely due to behavioral habits, lack of strict enforcement of institutional energy policies, and the absence of direct accountability for electricity costs. The study concluded that while awareness of energy conservation among students is relatively high, there is a gap between knowledge and actual practice. It therefore recommended that the institution should intensify energy conservation awareness programs, integrate sustainability education into student orientation, enforce electricity usage regulations in hostels, and adopt behavioral-based energy management strategies. These measures would promote responsible electricity consumption and enhance sustainable energy use within the institution.