Urbanization and the Challenges of Affordable Housing Among Employees in Anambra State
A Study of Staff at COOU Igbariam Campus
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Abstract
The study investigated urbanization and the challenges of affordable housing among employees in Anambra State, specifically among staff at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam. The study was guided by four objectives and two hypotheses. The study was hinged on Concentric Zone Theory and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory. The study adopted a mixed methods research design and drew a sample of 215 from a population of 463 academic and non-academic staff using Taro Yamane statistical formula. The study adopted multistage sampling procedure in selecting the study participants. Instrument of Data collection was a structured questionnaire and In-depth Interview (IDI) Guide. The quantitative data collected for the study was processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and analysed using descriptive statistics specifically simple frequency distribution and percentage tables. The qualitative data collected was analyzed thematically using narrative method of qualitative data analysis. The study found that employment opportunities are the major factors influencing urbanization in Anambra State. The study also found that quality houses are relatively unaffordable especially in urban areas in Anambra State. The study further found that long distance from the university to affordable housing areas as the urbanization-related housing challenges experienced by COOU, Igbariam staff. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that the university should prioritize the provision of low-cost housing schemes in urban areas, with particular consideration for staff at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, as this will lead to improved access to decent and affordable accommodation and make it easier for staff to reside closer to their workplace.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anthonia Onyinye Ilodigwe, Ugwum Chinaza Calista, Iliemena Donatus Ekenechukwu (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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