An Evaluation Of The Symbiotic Relationship Between Tertiary Institutions And Their Host Communities

Across the globe, the establishment of tertiary institutions is aimed at enhancing the level of academic attainment as well as reinforcing the socio-cultural and economic development of the society. It has been generally accepted that tertiary institutions are very powerful instruments of social and economic transformation in every society. These institutions open up the host communities to vast opportunities as diverse professionals, their families and students continue to troop into these localities. This paper therefore explores some of the benefits of these institutions to the local communities which include easier access to admission, employment, improved standard of living, access to qualitative, yet affordable staff nursery, primary and postprimary schools, improved infrastructure and basic amenities and many others. There are however, some challenges which also find their way into these host communities as a result of the establishment of these institutions. These include hike in general cost of living, pressure on available amenities, rising wave of crime, the negative influence of cultism and indecent dressing and incessant clashes between the institutions and host communities. The paper therefore recommends, among others, that there should be increased communication between the institutions and the communities to establish a lasting rapport, partnership and goodwill, thereby opening up rooms for more gains.