Tertiary Education Development and Sustainability in Nigeria: Beyond Financial Accountability

Abstract

The decay experienced in the Nigerian tertiary education system has been linked to poor management triggered by a number of factors including systematic neglect and inability of the system to adapt to, and cope with global changes and the changes in the economy. The decay occasioned by poor management is so deep that Nigerian University system is no longer able to meet its expected obligations and perform its valuable duties. Is there no hope? Can’t our universities compete with her foreign counterparts and be both financially independent and productive? Sustenance of Universities calls for a “home-grown” coping strategy complimented with a pragmatic management framework. We argue for an almost total decentralization that encourages responsibility accounting. The system must be bailed out or forfeit the opportunity to create value in the society. These expositions are the thrusts of this article.

Key words: Accountability, Management, Strategy, Funding, Sustainability