Table of Contents
Abstract. 2
CHAPTER ONE.. 5
INTRODUCTION.. 5
1.1 Background to the Study.. 5
1.2 Statement of the Problem... 6
1.3 Objectives of the Study.. 7
1.4 Research Questions. 8
1.5 Research Hypothesis. 8
1.6 Significance of the Study.. 8
1.7 Scope of the Study.. 9
1.8 Limitations of the Study.. 9
1.9 Organization of the Study.. 10
1.10 Definition of Terms. 11
CHAPTER TWO.. 13
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE.. 13
2.1 Introduction.. 13
2.2 Theoretical Review.. 13
2.2.1 Resource Dependency Theory. 13
2.2.2 Political Economy Theory. 13
2.2.3 Institutional Isomorphism Theory. 14
2.2.4 Human Capital Theory. 14
2.3 Conceptual Review.. 14
2.4 Empirical Review.. 17
2.5 Summary of Literature Review.. 19
Chapter Three.. 20
Research Methodology.. 20
3.1 Introduction.. 20
3.2 Research Design.. 20
3.3 Population and Sample.. 20
3.4 Sampling Techniques. 21
3.5 Data Collection Methods. 21
3.6 Instrumentation.. 22
3.7 Data Analysis Procedures. 22
3.8 Ethical Considerations. 22
3.9 Conclusion.. 23
CHAPTER FOUR.. 24
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.. 24
4.1 Preamble.. 24
4.2 Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Respondents. 24
TABLES BASED ON RESEARCH QUESTIONS.. 27
4.3 Analysis of the Respondents’ Views on Research Question one:. 27
4.4 Testing Hypothesis. 45
Discussion of Findings. 47
CHAPTER FIVE.. 50
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.. 50
5.1 Summary.. 50
5.2 Conclusion.. 50
5.3 Recommendations. 51
REFERENCES.. 53
Research Questionnaire.. 56
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
In Nigeria, funding for tertiary education has been a persistent challenge, posing significant barriers to the development and sustainability of higher education institutions across the country. This issue is multifaceted, encompassing inadequate budget allocations from the government, inefficient management of existing funds, and the growing demand for quality education amidst economic constraints. As of 2024, the Nigerian government's budgetary allocation to education remains insufficient, with tertiary institutions often receiving a disproportionately small share. This underfunding has severe implications, affecting infrastructure development, faculty recruitment and retention, research capacity, and overall educational quality (Adams, 2023; Okonkwo & Uchenna, 2022).
Moreover, the issue of funding is exacerbated by systemic challenges such as corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies within the educational administration. These factors contribute to mismanagement of available funds, further reducing the impact of allocated resources on educational outcomes. Consequently, many tertiary institutions struggle with dilapidated infrastructure, outdated facilities, and inadequate academic resources, which hinder effective teaching, learning, and research (Bello, 2023; Okeke & Ibrahim, 2021).
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes both short-term interventions and long-term strategies. In the short term, there is a pressing need for increased government funding specifically earmarked for tertiary education, along with reforms aimed at improving fiscal transparency and accountability within educational institutions. Additionally, partnerships with private sector stakeholders and international organizations can offer supplementary funding avenues and expertise to bolster educational infrastructure and research capabilities (Ezeani, 2023; Mohammed & Aliyu, 2022).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The issue of funding for tertiary education in Nigeria represents a critical challenge with profound implications for the quality and accessibility of higher education institutions across the country. As of 2024, the Nigerian government continues to allocate insufficient budgetary resources to the education sector, particularly to tertiary institutions, which struggle to meet the increasing demand for quality education amidst rising student enrollment (Adams, 2023). This funding shortfall has resulted in dilapidated infrastructure, outdated teaching materials, and inadequate research facilities, compromising the overall learning experience and hindering the development of a skilled workforce needed for national development (Okonkwo & Uchenna, 2022).
Furthermore, the issue is compounded by systemic inefficiencies and bureaucratic hurdles within educational administration, which often lead to mismanagement and misappropriation of available funds. Corruption and lack of transparency in financial processes further diminish the impact of allocated resources, exacerbating the funding crisis in Nigerian universities and polytechnics. These challenges undermine efforts to improve educational outcomes and diminish Nigeria's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy (Okonkwo & Uchenna, 2022).
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of the study is to examine Funding for Tertiary Education in Nigeria: issues and solutions. Specific objectives of the study are:
- To analyze the Adequacy of Government Funding
- To investigate the Impact of Funding Shortfalls on Tertiary Institutions
- To evaluate the Effectiveness of Alternative Funding Mechanisms
1.4 Research Questions
To guide the study and achieve the objectives of the study, the following research questions were formulated:
- To what extent does the current level of government funding for tertiary education in Nigeria meet UNESCO's recommended allocation of 26% of the annual budget?
- How do funding shortfalls in Nigerian tertiary institutions affect the quality of education, including infrastructure, staffing levels, and student outcomes?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of alternative funding mechanisms for tertiary education in Nigeria, such as tuition fee increases, alumni donations, and public-private partnerships?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following research hypothesis was developed and tested for the study:
Ho: There is no significant relationship between government funding allocation and the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.
1.6 Significance of the Study
The study is important for many reasons. The following are the major stakeholders this paper through its practical and theoretical implications and findings will be of great significance:
Firstly, the paper will benefit major stakeholders and policy makers in the education sector. The various analysis, findings and discussions outlined in this paper will serve as a guide in enabling major positive changes in the industry and sub-sectors.
Secondly, the paper is also beneficial to the organizations used for the research. Since first hand data was gotten and analysed from the organization, they stand a chance to benefit directly from the findings of the study in respect to their various organizations. These findings will fast track growth and enable productivity in the organisations used as a case study.
Finally, the paper will serve as a guide to other researchers willing to research further into the subject matter. Through the conclusions, limitations and gaps identified in the subject matter, other student and independent researchers can have a well laid foundation to conduct further studies.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study is delimited to University of Abuja. Findings and recommendations from the study reflects the views and opinions of respondents sampled in the area. It may not reflect the entire picture in the population.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The major limitations of the research study are time, financial constraints and delays from respondents. The researcher had difficulties combining lectures with field work. Financial constraints in form of getting adequate funds and sponsors to print questionnaires, hold Focus group discussions and logistics was recorded. Finally, respondents were a bit reluctant in filling questionnaires and submitting them on time. This delayed the project work a bit.
1.9 Organization of the Study
The study is made up of five (5) Chapters. Chapter one of the study gives a general introduction to the subject matter, background to the problem as well as a detailed problem statement of the research. This chapter also sets the objectives of the paper in motion detailing out the significance and scope of the paper.
Chapter Two of the paper entails the review of related literature with regards to corporate governance and integrated reporting. This chapter outlines the conceptual reviews, theoretical reviews and empirical reviews of the study.
Chapter Three centers on the methodologies applied in the study. A more detailed explanation of the research design, population of the study, sample size and technique, data collection method and analysis is discussed in this chapter.
Chapter Four highlights data analysis and interpretation giving the readers a thorough room for the discussion of the practical and theoretical implications of data analyzed in the study.
Chapter Five outlines the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the study. Based on objectives set out, the researcher concludes the paper by answering all research questions set out in the study.
1.10 Definition of Terms
1. Government Funding
The financial resources allocated by the Nigerian government specifically intended to support tertiary education institutions, including budgetary allocations, grants, and subsidies aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure and academic programs.
2. Tertiary Education
Also known as higher education, it refers to education provided by universities, colleges, and polytechnics in Nigeria beyond the secondary school level, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
3. Budgetary Allocation
The process by which funds are earmarked in the national or state budget for specific purposes, such as funding tertiary education, typically based on government priorities and available resources.
4. Infrastructure Development
The construction, renovation, or improvement of physical facilities and structures within tertiary institutions, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and residential accommodations, aimed at supporting teaching, learning, and research activities.
5. Educational Quality
The overall effectiveness and standards of education provided by tertiary institutions in Nigeria, encompassing factors such as faculty expertise, curriculum relevance, student outcomes, and institutional reputation.
6. Financial Transparency
The degree to which financial information, transactions, and decision-making processes within tertiary education institutions are open, accessible, and accountable to stakeholders, including students, faculty, and the public.
7. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
Collaborative arrangements between government entities and private sector organizations aimed at jointly financing and managing projects and initiatives within the tertiary education sector in Nigeria, often involving shared risks and rewards.
