A review and compilation of critical success factors for the implementation of maintenance at Nigerian public universities

Purpose This paper aims to discuss the existing literature on critical success factors (CSFs) for maintenance implementation in Nigerian universities and compile them in a single format to determine if gaps may exist. Design/methodology/approach Many relevant articles were searched using keywords extracted from a preliminary literature review. The second round of articles abstract study resulted in 40 articles been selected for this compilation. Inductive coding technique and content analysis methodology were used to identify the constructs of the CSFs. Subsequently, a critical analysis of the reviewed literature identified some gaps in the literature studied. Findings This literature review reveals that lack of maintenance policy, maintenance culture, shortage of building facilities and overpopulation in Nigerian universities are the major problems affecting maintenance implementation success. Additionally, most researchers concentrate on the identification of CSFs without providing the strategies for implementing them. Research limitations/implications More in-depth research must be carried out on the study of CSFs to implement maintenance policy and culture in Nigerian universities. Duplication in the frequency analysis of the success factors is a significant limitation in this research work and is attributed to the secondary search used as the primary methodology for many articles cited. Originality/value This paper provides an in-depth compilation and analysis of all previously identified success factors for maintenance implementation in Nigerian universities using a structured methodological approach.