IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study empirically investigates the impact of educational management efficiency on the performance of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. With the growing demand for quality higher education and the persistent challenges of poor funding, administrative bottlenecks, and declining academic standards, the efficiency of management practices has become critical. The study adopts a mixed-methods design, surveying 400 academic and administrative staff from 20 selected federal, state, and private universities and polytechnics across Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed there are major constraints limiting the impact of management efficiency on the performance of tertiary institutions in Nigeria yet a significant positive relationship existed between management efficiency and institutional performance indicators, specifically, resource utilization and participatory decision-making were found to be the strongest predictors of institutional performance. The findings also highlighted that bureaucratic rigidity, inadequate funding and political interference remain major impediments to educational management efficiency. The study concluded that improving management efficiency in Nigerian tertiary institutions is essential for achieving quality education and global competitiveness. Recommendations include the adoption of performance-based management systems, institutional autonomy and continuous professional development for administrators.