driven and is usually carried out only when there is a release of subvention from Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC), even if the needs are obvious, the building becomes unattractive or even unsuitable for its users and the populace. As such, building maintenance is not regarded as part of the essential duty of the University priority, that is, not as a prime factor of academic process. There is no doubt that the administration is consistently increasing its allocation to the works and maintenance department, but the allocation is grossly inadequate to meet the ever-growing demand for the maintenance backlog.

This paper examines the potential and benefits of wood as an economically efficient material in terms building cost, maintenance and operations as alternative to other building materials. A purposeful survey of building projects in University of Ibadan, Nigeria was conducted to assess wood usage in building projects to determine the efficiency of wood utilization in building construction. The papers also surveyed the wastes of different materials generated during building construction and compared to the projected wastes that were allowed for during the planning stage of building project. Recommendations include government directed policy on the minimum housing standard; possible built and lease programme for the low income earners; a vigorous programme of housing and health education; enhanced collaboration between stakeholders to develop enforceable standards for existing housing stock and future builds. Further studies should be conducted on the modes of joining structural members and more research works could be employed on the connector that are being used for wood structural members. There could also be research into the engineering properties of lesser used timbers.

Keyword:Housing; Economic Efficiency; Wood Versatility; South-Western Nigeria; Building Materials.

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