Mapping the Evolution of Infrastructural Development Studies in Higher Educational Institutions: A Bibliometric Review of Publication Trends and Influential Works (1960–2024)
Abstract
This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric review of scholarly literature on infrastructural development in tertiary institutions from 1960 to 2024. Using data extracted from the Dimensions database and analysed with VOS viewer software, the review examines 607 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters to map the evolution, growth trajectory, geographic spread, citation impact, and thematic trends within the field. The findings reveal an exponential increase in publications over the past 15 years, reflecting rising global attention to infrastructure in higher education, particularly in the context of sustainability, digital transformation, and equity. India and Nigeria emerged as leading contributors, indicating a regional prioritisation of educational infrastructure amidst expanding student populations. Influential works by Graham-Rowe and Kumar dominate citation networks, shaping discourse on sustainable transport and smart infrastructure. Thematic analysis highlights critical topics such as hybrid learning environments, access equity, technological integration, and the environmental implications of infrastructural investments. Despite this growth, the review identifies research gaps, notably in empirical studies evaluating the impact of infrastructure on academic outcomes and the effectiveness of adaptive infrastructural models. Collaborative networks between developed and developing countries were evident, reinforcing the global relevance of this research domain. The paper emphasises the importance of sustained interdisciplinary inquiry and policy alignment to ensure resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented infrastructure in higher education. The insights derived are invaluable for researchers, institutional leaders, and policymakers aiming to optimise infrastructural investments in response to emerging educational needs
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Copyright (c) 2025 Noeline Prossy Atyayi, Margaret Stella Suubi Ujeyo, PhD, Dennis Zami Atibuni, PhD
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