RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADOPTION OF EXISTING PUBLIC PROCUREMENT REGULATIONS AND SUSTAINABLE CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION PRACTICES IN THE TERTIARY EDUCATION SECTOR IN NIGERIA

Purpose: The aim of this research is to establish the relationship between existing public procurement regulations and sustainable contract administration in tertiary education sector projects. with a view to improve the overall performance of tertiary education projects in Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach: A survey design approach was used in this study. A random sampling technique was used to select four six hundred and thirty five respondents from the Nigerian Tertiary institutions. Structured questionnaire was used as the research instrument for the study. The methods of data analysis were simple percentage, mean score, and Spearman Correlation test. The study revealed a response rate of 62%. Therefore, the response rate of 62% is considered adequate and sufficient for the study.

Findings: The study found that there is strong positive relationship/association between level compliance of public procurement regulations among tertiary institutions in Nigeria, and level of application of sustainable contract administration practices in construction project execution in the tertiary education sector in Nigeria. It is concluded that although, the level of compliance/adherence to existing public procurement regulations significantly influences/supports the implementation of sustainable contract administration practices in tertiary education sector projects in Nigeria, yet extent of support and influence have not attained the optimum expected possibly due to the current level of enforcement of existing public procurement regulations and inadequate framework for the enforcement. The findings of this study have significant influence on the successful contract administration in Tertiary educators as well as sustainability of project executed in the tertiary education sector

Practical implications: The findings of study will help to ensure adequate implementation of sustainability principles in contract administration, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability of the built environment in Nigeria. Furthermore, successful contract administration in Tertiary educators will reduce construction projects abandonment in the sector thereby ensuring a beautiful built environment, and overall environment sustainability of the Tertiary sector in Nigeria

Originality/value – This study recommended that Tertiary institutions in Nigeria should improve on the level of application of sustainable contract administration practices by improving top management support, corporate governance, professionalism in public procurement, effective stakeholder participation, and organizational culture. Furthermore, for public procurement regulations to optimally support and influence sustainable contract administration in tertiary education sector projects, government should ensure adequate enforcement of existing public procurement regulations and encourage satisfactory framework for the enforcement.