Abstract

Author:

S.A. Adejumo, O.E. Awodumi

Doi: 10.26480/magg.01.2026.32.37

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The establishment of a tertiary institution in a community is often regarded as a catalyst for economic growth. This study aims to assess the influence of tertiary institutions on adjoining property prices, as well as land use and land cover changes in the host settlements. The Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology in Igbo-Ora, Ibarapa Central, Oyo State, Nigeria, serves as the focal point for this investigation. 301 structured questionnaires were distributed to the heads of households in proximity to the college premises. The survey focused on obtaining information related to land prices and rent. Additionally, Landsat imageries from 2012 and 2023 were obtained and analyzed using ArcGIS 10.7 to observe the changes in land use and land cover around the college premises. Inferential and descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the information gathered from the heads of households. The findings indicate a significant relationship between the spatial location of tertiary institutions and property prices in host communities. The study revealed a noteworthy increase in built-up areas around the college, expanding from 28.84 hectares in 2012 to 50.12 hectares in 2023. Concurrently, vegetal cover decreased significantly from 260.54 hectares to 186.52 hectares in 2023. Furthermore, the research highlighted a substantial rise in land prices and tenement rates in 2023 compared to 2012. This study underscores the need for state or local governments, urban and regional planners, and other stakeholders in the housing sector to regulate the activities of estate developers around tertiary institutions. Such measures can prevent deforestation, protect ecosystems, and moderate tenement rates in these areas. To mitigate the environmental impact and socioeconomic consequences, it is recommended that appropriate regulations be implemented to guide development around tertiary institutions. This proactive approach will contribute to sustainable urban planning and the overall well-being of host communities.