LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES FACING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS: A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Management of education in Nigeria has been constrained with many challenges and higher education faces its fair share of problems among which leadership challenges is prominent. This research therefore becomes necessary in view of the need to improve the leadership of tertiary institutions, which of course has now become a major priority for government reformation agenda. To achieve this aim, this research study investigates leadership challenges facing tertiary institutions using Lagos state of Nigeria as a case study. The quantitative research methodology was adopted and the research utilized both primary and secondary sources of data collection. While the primary source of data collection was derived through self-structured survey questionnaire administered to fifty-five (55) participants from each of the two (2) purposively selected tertiary institutions within the study area, summing up the total of one hundred and ten (110) participants. The secondary sources focused on journals and textbooks relevant to the research topic. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-square method of analysis. It was concluded that higher education in Nigeria will only be central and globally relevant if the true tradition of what it represents as knowledge factories is engendered and maintained through a process of consistent preparation of the academic trainees of today for effective leadership. The study recommends that leadership styles in tertiary institutions should be inclusive to give recognition to the complexity of academic institutions. Also, the researcher recommends a credible governance and leadership structured in such a way that allows participation by all stakeholders.