Evaluation of Value Engineering Applications in Hospital Construction in Ogun State

Value engineering (VE) offers a structured approach to improving project value by achieving required functions at lowest life cycle cost, with particular relevance for complex, high-specification projects such as hospitals. This study evaluates the application of value engineering in hospital construction projects in Ogun State, examining selected projects completed by the State Ministry of Health between 2021 and 2024. A descriptive survey design was used, with 77 respondents including quantity surveyors, architects, mechanical engineers, and client representatives. Structured questionnaires were administered and data analysed using frequency tables and mean item scores. Findings indicate that VE is rarely systematically applied in hospital construction in Ogun State, with cost reduction exercises typically consisting of ad-hoc specification changes rather than structured functional analysis. The study finds that quantity surveyors in the state have limited training in formal VE methodology, and that project teams lack the multidisciplinary composition required for effective VE workshops. Projects where VE was applied, even informally, demonstrated average cost savings of 8.3% on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works. Recommendations include formal VE training for quantity surveyors, incorporation of VE workshops as a mandatory design review stage for hospital projects, and development of Nigerian hospital elemental cost benchmarks. This research fills an important gap in healthcare construction economics literature for the South West geopolitical zone. Keywords: value engineering, hospital construction, Ogun State, cost management, functional analysis