Leadership And Accountability In Nigerian Universities: A Critical Factor For The Nation’S Sustainable Development
Sunday OTUYA
Department of Accounting & Finance, Edwin Clark University, Kiagbodo
Philips O OKOLO
Department of Political Science, Faculty of the Social Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Keywords: Leadership, Accountability, Nigerian Universities, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development
Abstract
In today’s changing world, the university serves as an integrated platform that the society depends on for teaching and research. The university system provides the enabling environment where citizens can share new ideas and fresh perspectives and thus enhance the ability to compete on the world stage. Modern universities are expected to create, inspire and move the society forward. In this paper, an attempt is made to examine leadership and accountability in Nigerian universities as a critical factor for the nation’s sustainable development. The paper discussed the concept of leadership and accountability and highlighted challenges that have undermined their effective roles in universities’ development in Nigeria. It was observed that for programs and policies of universities to succeed, there must be competent and dedicated leaders at all levels of administration. It further looked at various performance measurement techniques applicable in the university system as well as the role of entrepreneurial university for sustainable development. Having examined the challenges of the 21st century University, the paper recommends among others, that leadership for Nigerian universities be development oriented, transparent and accountable. And further stressed on the need for the establishment of Entrepreneurial Universities to continuously and continually improve in skills acquisition, resourcefulness and exchange of expertise between industries and academia for better technologies that supports sustainable development.