Managing the Autonomy of Tertiary Education Institution in Nigeria: Issues, Problems and Prospects

Abstract

There is no doubt that tertiary education institutions in Nigeria have undergone agonizing transformations resulting in a general loss of glory. Their present products represent an embarrassing image of a sector hitherto well recognised, and respected world-wide. For over two decades, tertiary education sector has been plagued by several problems ranging from plan-less and senseless proliferation of tertiary institutions, under-funding and radical unionism, to brain drain and incessant strikes and closures. These problems seem to have defied past policy initiatives designed to restore normalcy in the sector. The most recent of such policy initiatives, is the introduction of the new University Autonomy Policy and the envisaged lateral extension of the policy to the polytechnic and colleges of education sectors. While the two concepts of institutional autonomy and academic freedom are well known in the university sector, they are not persistently clamoured for by the other two sectors. This study therefore examines the concepts of institutional autonomy and academic freedom as well as their practice and management at tertiary education level in the country. The new University Autonomy Policy has been discussed and areas that need to be re-focussed have been identified and suitable suggestions made. The topical issue of funding, its management and improvement strategies, have also been examined in detail. It is clearly evident that government alone cannot continue to shoulder the responsibility of funding higher education. The study therefore recommends the diversification of the revenue base of the institutions through cost-sharing mechanisms and the commercialisation of the institutional services. The study emphasised the need for the institutions to balance their academic freedom and autonomy with practical commitment to accountability and transparency. The need for a fair and equitable formula for the disbursement of statutory grants to the institutions has been stressed. Presently, the tertiary education sector in Nigeria is coordinated by the NUC, NBTE and NCCE, all of whom report to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education. The study emphasises the need to re-define the roles of these quasi autonomous governmental organisations "quago" under the new autonomy dispensation. In conclusion, recommendations have been made on ways and means of managing autonomous institutions. In this connection, a management strategy which provides a broad participatory framework for the integration of all the stakeholders in the management process of the institutions, has been recommended for use in Nigeria.