Waste Management Practices and Circular Economic Potential in Nigerian Public Universities: A Comparative Analysis of Behavioural and Institutional Drivers

Abstract This study provides a comparative assessment of waste management practices, institutional performance, and circular economic potential in selected Nigerian public universities. Using a mixed-method cross-sectional design, data were collected between January and February 2026 through structured questionnaires (n = 400), key informant interviews, and field observations across four universities in southern Nigeria. The results reveal that approximately 10,000 kg of waste is generated daily, with organic waste (46.9%), plastics (31.3%), and paper (12.5%) constituting the dominant fractions. This composition indicates that more than 90% of the waste stream is potentially recoverable, demonstrating strong prospects for resource recovery and circular economy implementation within university settings. Despite this significant recovery potential, operational performance remains low, as reflected by a Waste Efficiency Index (WEI = 0.25), indicating that only a small proportion of waste is currently recovered or utilised. Behavioural analysis shows that attitude (β = 0.42) is the strongest predictor of proper waste disposal behaviour, followed by perceived behavioural control (β = 0.36) and subjective norms (β = 0.22), highlighting the critical role of individual motivation and access to enabling infrastructure. Institutional evaluation further reveals weak performance across the universities, with Institutional Performance Index (IPI) values ranging from 0.38 to 0.50, suggesting inadequate policy implementation, insufficient infrastructure, and limited enforcement capacity.Overall, the study identifies a clear disconnect between high waste recovery potential and actual system performance, driven by the interaction of behavioural, infrastructural, and institutional constraints. The findings underscore the urgent need for integrated waste management strategies that combine source segregation, investment in recycling and composting infrastructure, strengthened institutional governance, and sustained behavioural change initiatives. By addressing these interconnected factors, Nigerian public universities can transition from disposal-based systems to circular, resource-efficient, and sustainable waste management models

Keywords: Waste generation and management practices; waste disposal, Circular economy; waste recovery, recycling and reuse and waste disposal behaviour