The Social Roles and Expectations of the University Administrator in the Nigerian University System: Implication for the Social Studies Teacher

Abstract

The role of the University teacher and administrator is very significant.  Often referred to as the “man in the middle,” the occupant of the position frequently wanders about like Moses in search of the Promised Land. The “Promised Land” which the University administrator seeks is represented by a clear role definition of what he is supposed to do, the authority to carry out his responsibilities, and the respect which he feels he deserves for handling a job which has become one of the most difficult and complex in Nigerian University system. There are many reasons why the job of the Vice Chancellor, Dean of Faculty or Head of Department in a University system has become so difficult – reasons which will be identified and discussed later in this paper. However, it is evident that if the University administrator of which the Vice Chancellor symbolizes is to respond effectively to the challenge of his position, he will need to become more aware of different role options, more knowledgeable about the role that important others expect him to adopt, and have a better understanding of the various social forces that affect his role. The following sections discuss each of these three important aspects of the job of the educational administrator.

Keywords: Social roles, University system, University administrator, Social studies, University teacher