PERCEPRION OF OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS ON THE EFEECT OF INFRASTUCTURAL DEVEOPMENT ON HOUSING PROVISION IN AGBALE LINE 1, EDE, OSUN STATE

This study investigates the perception of off-campus students on the effect of infrastructural development on housing provision in Agbale Area Line 1, Ede, Osun State. The aim was to assess students' awareness of infrastructural projects, examine their perceived impact on housing availability and affordability, and identify challenges arising from such developments. Using a survey methodology, 110 questionnaires were distributed, with a 97.27% return rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) method, allowing for detailed ranking and interpretation. Findings revealed that while students demonstrated moderate awareness of infrastructural projects (RII: 0.84), gaps in communication limited their knowledge, particularly among first-year students. Perceived impacts included increased housing availability due to new construction (RII: 0.91) but rising rents and competition for housing posed significant challenges. Key challenges identified were increased rent prices (RII: 0.90), temporary transportation disruptions (RII: 0.82), and limited access to amenities during construction phases (RII: 0.79). The study concludes that while infrastructural development fosters housing expansion, it also introduces affordability and stability issues for students. Recommendations include improved communication between authorities and students, implementation of affordable housing policies, and integration of student needs into urban planning. This research contributes to understanding the dual impacts of urban development on student housing and emphasizes the importance of inclusive planning and regulatory measures to mitigate negative effects.