Assessment of the Relationship Between Student Population Growth and Clinical Facility Adequacy in Gombe State Higher Institutions, Nigeria

This study assessed the relationship between student population growth and the adequacy of clinical facilities in six higher institutions in Gombe State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional design with trend analysis was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques. A total of 400 students were surveyed using structured questionnaires, while institutional enrollment records covering 2015-2023 were analysed. Findings revealed that 58% of respondents were male, 68% were aged 21-25 years, and 27% were married. Enrollment showed steady growth, with Gombe State University reaching 4,581 students in 2023 and the Federal University of Kashere admitting 6,632 students in 2022. Newer institutions, such as Federal Polytechnic Kaltungo, experienced rapid growth, increasing from 236 students in 2021 to 731 in 2023. Facility Adequacy Scores indicated significant deficiencies across all institutions, with scores ranging from 42.8% to 55.6%, all below the 60% adequacy threshold. Impact Index analysis based on students' perceptions showed that waiting time for treatment (88%) and availability of clinic space (87%) were the most critically strained indicators, followed by medical personnel adequacy (81%), drug availability (77%), and emergency response (75%). Pearson correlation analysis showed a statistically significant negative relationship between student population growth and facility adequacy scores (r = -0.74, p < 0.05), indicating that rising enrollment is associated with declining clinical facility performance. The study concludes that enrollment growth has outpaced healthcare infrastructure investment across the selected institutions and recommends targeted clinic expansion, strategic staffing, improved drug procurement systems, and long-term health-resource planning aligned with enrollment projections.