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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) EFFECTS ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF HOST COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES: A CASE
STUDY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE, ABEOKUTA, NIGERIA
Author(s): Obayelu, A. Elijah; Bolarinwa, K. Kolade; Adekola, O. Adenike**; Oyedepo, J. Adebayo; Benadine, C. Nduagu & Idowu, S. Olalekan
Volume/Issue: Volume 6 , Issue 1(2026)
ABSTRACT:
CSR effects on socio-economic development of host communities in Nigeria Universities play important roles. In Nigeria, public universities are expected not only to deliver teaching and research but also to contribute meaningfully to the welfare of surrounding communities. Very few studies were available in the literature on university CSR in Nigeria; therefore, this study examined the effects of universities’ CSR on socio-economic development of host communities in Nigeria, using the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) as a case study. Data were obtained from household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews conducted in selected host communities surrounding the university. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were employed to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Findings from 303 respondents revealed that FUNAAB has implemented various CSR initiatives, including 52.5% infrastructure development, 65.7% new construction works, 59.7% land-use change (university expansion), 78.6% population increase effects, and 13.5% waste generation and environmental pressure, among others. These initiatives contributed positively to livelihood enhancement, employment opportunities, and stimulation of local economic activities. However, community perceptions of CSR adequacy were mixed, with concerns regarding limited coverage, inconsistency, and misalignment with priority development needs. Key challenges constraining effective CSR delivery included funding limitations, weak institutional coordination, and inadequate community participation in planning and implementation. The study concludes that while university-led CSR initiatives have the potential to promote socio-economic development and strengthen town–gown relations, their effectiveness depends on institutionalization, participatory engagement, and sustainable funding mechanisms. The study recommends the adoption of structured and inclusive CSR frameworks to enhance the developmental impact of public universities in Nigeria.
KEYWORDS:
Corporate social responsibility; Universities; Socio-economic development; Host communities;
FUNAAB; Nigeria
