Tag Archives: Service Delivery

THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON EMPLOYEES

THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON EMPLOYEES JOB PERFORMANCE IN THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, AUCHI

ABSTRACT

This research thesis focuses on the leadership styles and employees job performance in the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. Methodologically the study deployed both the primary and secondary data. The investigation of the study raveled that co-operative mode of administration is preferred to the suppressive and free – rein systems. It also showed that cooperative disposition of leadership breeds team –work, employees’ participation in formulation organization and implementation of institutional goal and objectives attainment. The findings empirically noted that hostile department leads should be punished for their actions and bureaucratic rules and procedure be adopted to check care free department heads. The management and Head of Departments of Federal Polytechnic Auchi should implement the following recommendation of adopting cooperative approach of administration as a matter of a policy for the institution: The Management of Federal Polytechnic Auchi should implement the following recommendation of adopting cooperative approach of administration as a matter of a policy for the institution; also the findings empirically noted that hostile department heads should be punished for adopting care-free attitude in performing his duties. Base on the findings some recommendations were made which include adoption of co-operative approach of administration as a matter of policy for the institution. The management of federal polytechnic Auchi should be put in place motivational incentives to encouraged workers at work especially reward of excellent performance, promotion, welfare package, training and retraining of employees, welfare package, training and retrain.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0     Background of the Study

Leadership is to any organization what the heart is to the human body. Just as the body depends on the heart to pump blood for it to stay alive, so also an organization relies on its leadership for persistent coordination in order to survive. Cole (2002) posits that leadership is a vital element in the social relationships of groups at work. He further argues that in a dynamic process at work in a group, leadership influences the other group members to commit themselves freely to the achievement of group tasks. It follows therefore that in an organization, the leadership and employees complement each other. While commenting on leadership-employees relationship, Nwachukwu (2007) explains that once employees are recruited, it becomes the function of leadership to utilize them in the accomplishment of organizational objectives. He stresses that although the employees are hired to assist in the realization of predetermined organizational goals, they come to the organization with their own personal goals, aspirations, biases and preferences [which determine their behavior in the organization] and they exhibit the aforementioned through much concern about their roles, risks and involvements. It then becomes the function of leadership to marry employees’ goals with organizational goals for harmonious coexistence and achievement of organizational objectives. Uma (2005) added that having knowledge of organizational behavior which entails the actions and reactions of employees to various stimuli helps leadership to effectively handle individuals, groups, and organizational resources to achieve the goals of organization. And at the same time, enhance the quality of life for employees and enable them to reach their full potentials.

Apart from the aforesaid valuable roles of leadership, the styles adopted in playing those roles are also very important to an organization. According to Ojokuku, Odetayo, and Sajuyigbe (2012) leadership style is a key determinant of the success or failure of any organization. They maintain that while leadership influences, directs, and motivates others to perform specific tasks for the accomplishment of the stated corporate objectives, leadership style serves as the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and motivating employees to be committed to organizational objectives. The major leadership styles include the democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire. They are as well known as transformational, transactional, and free-rein styles of leadership. The transformational or democratic leadership style is the type that motivates followers by appealing to higher ideals and moral values which can inspire employees to perform beyond expectations and transform both individuals and organizations (Bass, 1985 cited by Belonio, undated). The transactional or autocratic leadership style is based on bureaucratic authority and legitimacy within the organization. It emphasizes work standards, assignments and task-oriented goals. It focuses on task completion and employee compliance and relies on organizational rewards and punishments to influence employee performance Burns, (1979). The Laissez-Faire or free-rein leadership style is characterized by a total or general failure to take responsibilities for managing Bass, (1999). The choice and application of any leadership style in supervising the subordinates depends on the preference of the leader. The exact leadership style adopted in any organization can have either positive or negative impacts on the leader, other employees and the organization as a whole. That is why the issue of leadership and leadership style often generate a lot of controversies and if not timely attended to, it degenerates to misgivings and displeasures which eventually debilitate even a once vibrant organization.

In Auchi Federal Polytechnic, this issue of leadership style is currently breeding heated debate. The employees’ attitude to work and their present level of performance which negatively robs off on the institution is speculatively blamed on the Management’s manner of leadership. This investigation is therefore put in place to unravel the actual impacts of leadership style on employees’ performance in Auchi Federal Polytechnic from 2008-2015.

1.1     Brief History of Federal Polytechnic

The federal polytechnic Auchi was established in 1964 as a technical college by Midwestern region. The former president Ibrahim Babagida announced the takeover of the institution as a federal polytechnic Auchi in 1994 by a decree.

The new polytechnic started off as a multi-campus institution with its headquarters in Benin City. The Department of Accountancy and company Administration moved from Auchi to join the government Academy, Benin City, which had been absorbed to form the school of Business Studies in the Benin campus of the Polytechnic while the Engineering Department remained in Auchi to become the School of Engineering of the Polytechnic.

Mean while, in 1974, the name of the institution was changed to Auchi Polytechnic, and in 1975, the Headquarters was moved back to Auchi.

The federal government Decree of 1997 set up the National Board for technical education (NBTE) to coordinate technical education in Nigeria with the following mandates:

  1. To provide science and technical education which produced middle level technical manpower and their training.
  2. To provide full-time and part time course in teaching and training in technology, applied science Business, and administrative sectors relevant to the need of development of manpower in Nigeria.
  3. To conduct courses in technical education for qualified middle level trainees.
  4. To arrange conferences, seminars and workshop relevant to the field of study or leaning.

1.2     Statement of the Problem

The issue of leadership styles has been a subject of much concern. A lot of researches have previously carried out investigations related to this subject matter.

In the study conducted by Belonio R.J. (undated) on “The Effects of Leadership Style on Employee Satisfaction and Performance of Employees in Bangkok”, Transformational leadership was seen to have a positive effect on the significant subscales of job satisfaction. Transactional leadership also had a positive effect on the significant subscales of job satisfaction and laissez-faire leadership had a positive effect as well on the significant subscales of job satisfaction. Belonio therefore advises that since leadership styles affect various aspects of employee job satisfaction, which in turn affect job performance, managers, supervisors, leaders and organizational heads should not stick to only one form of leadership style. The management of Auchi Polytechnic has not lived up to expectation in combining the various leadership styles that will possibly bring more satisfaction and enhance employee performance in the institution.

Shafie, Baghersalimi, and Barghi (2013) also carried out a similar investigation on “The Relationship between Leadership Style and Employee Performance” (Case Study of Real Estate Registration Organization of Tehran Province) in 2013. The findings showed that transformational and pragmatic [transactional or autocratic] leadership both impacted on the staff performance but transformational leadership style is associated with higher relevance. They however noted that transformational leadership and pragmatic leadership are not two contradictory theories, rather they are complementary ideologies. This implies that leadership styles ought to be alternated to embrace the various employees’ behavior in an organization. Not knowing how to interchange leadership styles is a bane to Employees job satisfaction.

Spector (1997) argues that employee or job satisfaction is an important concern in every organization since it focuses on both humanitarian and utilitarian perspectives. According to the humanitarian perspective, people deserve to be treated fairly and with respect. The utilitarian perspective proposes that employee or job satisfaction can lead to employee behaviors that affect organizational functioning and performance.

Over the years, the Federal Polytechnic at Auchi has enjoyed tremendous harmony in terms of management-employees relationship. The staff performance cum organizational reputation has been commendable to some extent. But internal wrangling and contention are becoming rampant. Employees’ job satisfaction has reduced drastically while their performance is also in its lowest ebbs. Some lapses in the choice of leadership style by the institution’s management are speculated as the chief causes of these negative occurrences.

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The general objective of this study is to examine the impacts of leadership style on employees’ performance. The specific objectives are outlined below.

  1. To reveal the connection between cooperative mode of administration and the level to which employees are doing their jobs in Federal Polytechnic Auchi.
  2. To show the link between suppressive system of management and the degree of workers’ frustration in Federal Polytechnic Auchi.
  3. To show how the free-rein method of supervision is associated with the rate of staff’s absenteeism in Federal Polytechnic Auchi|.

1.4     Research Hypothesis

The following hypotheses are put forward for testing in this study.

  1. There is a relationship between cooperative mode of administration and employees’ service delivery in Federal Polytechnic Auchi.
  2. There is a relationship between suppressive manner of management style and workers frustration in Federal Polytechnic Auchi.
  3. There is a relationship between free-rein method of supervision and workers’ absenteeism in Auchi, Federal Polytechnic

1.5     Significance of the Study

This research will offer essential information that will helpfully guide administrators in the general acts of organizational management specifically on the issues that concern superiors / subordinates.

The revelations pertaining to the subject of impacts of leadership styles on employees’ performance in organizations will further build-up existing literature.

The results obtained in this investigation will expand the frontiers of knowledge.

1.6     Scope of the Study

This study centered attention on the issue of impacts of leadership styles on employees’ performance. The study location is Federal Polytechnic, Auchi. It is situated in Edo North senatorial district of Edo State. The period covered by this investigation ranges from (2000 to 2015).

1.7     Limitations to the Study

Obtaining information from the respondents in Federal Polytechnic, Auchi was limited by bureaucratic bottle-necks. Some official information was scarcely disclosed by respondents owing to the secrecy that characterizes the public service. More so, many respondents were reluctant to participate in the research due to fear of indictment after responding to certain questions on the research instrument. There was also some delay in the process of retrieving the questionnaires because of some respondents’ belated response. Nonetheless, the researcher was able to muddle-through after much resilience.

1.8     Operational definition of terms

The following terms are presented to explain the concepts.

(a) Cooperative Administration: The use of friendliness and sympathy in the supervision of workers in the workplace.

(b) Service Delivery: Job performance or the act of doing a given job.

(c) Suppressive Management: Displaying hostility in controlling employees in the organization.

(d) Frustration: This is the dissatisfaction suffered by the personnel working in an organization owing to the unbearable working conditions.

(e) Free-Rein Supervision: The freedom given to employees to discharge their duties with little or no control.

(f) Absenteeism: It is the staff’s habit of staying away from workplace for unconvincing reasons and without taking permission.

(g) Impacts: These are the good and bad mutual influences that the behaviors of individuals and groups have on one another in an organization at a given period.

(h) Leadership Styles: It encompasses the methods and techniques applied by superiors in controlling their subordinates in the office.

(i) Employees’ Performance: It entails the extent to which workers discharge their assigned tasks in their place of work.

1.8b     Organization of the Study

This work is organized into five chapter, chapter one has  background of the study, brief of federal polytechnic, Auchi,Statement  of  the problem,  objective   of the  study, research  hypothesis , significance of the study, scope  of the study, limitation  to the study,  Chapter two covers  review  of related   literature   with   subheading  like “System  theory” “MC Gregor  theories  x and y”. The concept of leadership, leadership styles conceptualized approaches  of  the  study  leadership, Administrative/ Organizational structure and the concept of job performance in the Federal Polytechnic Auchi. Also the Chapter  three has research  method with the  following  topic  like Research  Design, Sources  of  Data, Population  of Study, Sample  and Sampling  Techniques , Research Instrument, Validity  and Research  Reliability  Test, and  Statistical Techniques  for Data  Analysis. While  Chapter  four  will  present the summary  of the major  findings;  Chapter five Summary of the findings Recommendation, conclusion and Contribution to Knowledge.

 

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PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF DIGITIZATION

PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES OF DIGITIZATION OF ACADEMIC LIBRARY RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE SERVICE DELIVERY

 ABSTRACT

This study investigated the prospects and challenges of digitization of academic library resources for effective service delivery in Edo State, Nigeria. Five research questions guided the study. A survey research design was adopted, the total population for this study was 199 professional and Para-professional of all the university libraries in Edo State, and purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the population which constituted the sample. Questionnaires and observation checklist were used for data collection. A  total of 161 questionnaires were distributed to the respondents who comprised of the professionals and Para-professionals library staff from the university libraries under study and 115 questionnaires were retrieved and analyze using mean score, standard deviation, percentage and frequency counts. From the analysis of data collected, the findings revealed that increased access to library materials, effective preservation of library materials, improve library services, speedy retrieval of document and improving library visibility are the major purposes for digitization of library resources. However, the result shows that inadequate funding, high cost of purchasing equipment, inadequate skill personnel, erratic power supply, poor internet connectivity, copyright issues/management are some of the major challenges inhibiting effective and efficient digitization of library resources in academic libraries. Based on the findings, recommendation were made such as alternative power supply, seeking for financial aid from donor organization, establishment of copyright management, proper selection and procurement of facilities/equipment, and training and retraining of librarians to acquire all the relevant and up-to-date skills for effective digitization.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background of the Study

With the advent of information and communication technology (ICT) and the internet facilities, the traditional functions of the library as a place for storage and preservation of information sources has changed dramatically. Academic libraries are duly bound to acquire, preserve and disseminate information for whatever source to its clientele, in this information age. This has led to academic libraries in Africa and Nigeria in particular, to embark on integration of technology in their operations. This serve as a mechanism for improvement and development especially in a situation where attention is drawn to the academic contents and ways of preserving them for future use.

Otubelu and Ume (2015) opined that there is need for such sources of information to be kept, preserved and made available in a more convenient and accessible formats. Prolonging the life-span of information resources and knowledge assets of man is better carried out with information and communication technology (ICT) for easy access to and dissemination of information resources for effective service delivery.

Oyedun (2007) in Krubu and Osawaru (2011) defines academic libraries as those libraries that are mainly found in tertiary institutions, they are established to support learning, teaching and research processes. Academic libraries can be regarded as the focal point or heartbeat of its parent institution as they are primarily established to provide information resources to support the academic programmes. Igwesi (2010) noted that proper fulfillment of this role provides a sound basis for the transmission and advancement of knowledge. Over the past few years, academic libraries have been affected by advancement in information and communication technology (ICT) and it application to libraries. It introduction has revolutionized the way information is packaged, processed, stored, retrieved, and disseminated but also, how users seek and access information in the twenty-first century.

A number of scholars have defined the concept of digitization differently. According to Gbaje (2007), digitization is the process of converting non-digital born documents into digital format. Witten and Bridge (2003) defined it as the process of taking traditional library materials that are in the form of books and papers and converting them into electronic form where they can be stored and manipulated by a computer. Thus, digitization entails all the sequence involved in the course of converting conventional information materials into machine readable format (digital format). Digitization therefore involves more than the conversion of prints document to digital formats but includes policy enactment, planning and budgeting, acquisition of appropriate technology, scanning, uploading to the web or repository, preserving, maintaining archival media, and the organization of the digital content into a navigable format (flexible and compatible programmes) for increased access and effective service delivery of the digital content to the target audience.

The digitization of academic library resources and the intellectual output of an institution has a lot of invaluable benefits such as increasing the visibility of the library’s resources, improve services delivery to the myriad of users, enhanced access to current and vast amount of information from remote sites/location as users can easily access library resources from different parts of the world no matter the distance; flexibility of information search and retrieval; it ensures better preservation of library resources by a reduced handling of the original print materials and alleviating the problems normally associated with conventional library environment such as mutilation of information resources, theft, space constraints, scarcity or limited number of copies, limited hour of operation and poor storage environment normally associated with the manual preservation. It is a veritable information source of e-learning and it offers a platform for collaboration and interoperability of libraries globally.

Digitization has the potential of making Africa global producers of indigenous information and thus helps in preservation of our cultural heritage rather than being passive consumers of imported information. Hence, digitization paves way for the globalization of local content and the accessibility of global information resource (GIR) locally. In Africa, most digital initiatives are collaborative. For example, the Digital Image Project of South Africa (DISA) is a cooperative project of South African Librarians, archivist, and Scholars. Another is Kwetu Net, which has signed up African governments and Universities, as partners and has developed a full-test database on East Africa (Amollo, 2011). Asogwa (2011) noted that, since the evolution many digital library projects such as that of the Association of Africa University (AAU), the Rhodes University in South Africa, the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and the Africa Digital Library (ADL), are some of the digital library projects being implemented in Africa.

In Nigeria, a lot of impressive efforts have been made in digitizing library collections all over the country. According to Musa et al., (2014) some of the academic libraries who have already embarked on digitizing their local contents includes Kashim Ibrahim library, which is the main library of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, their project started in July 2005; University of Jos in 2009 becoming the first institution (University) to establish an institutional repository (IR) and second in West Africa after University of Science and Technology, Ghana; University Nigeria joined the trend in 2008, as it commenced the digitization of it resources; Federal University of Technology, Akure, started in 2011, using Dspace (application software) in managing the institutional content of their repository and Covenant University in the year 2012 becoming the first private university that owns institutional repository. In the same vein, Igwesi (2010) noted that Nnamdi Azikwe University, (UNIZIK) Akwa; Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife have all started digitization of it collections. Other digital initiatives in Nigeria as noted by Ochai (2007) in Igwesi (2010) include: The Nigerian University Library Consortium which created the capacity for libraries to negotiate for reduced licenses for EBSCO host and it contains over 8000 academic journals in all fields. Also, the Nigeria Virtual Library Initiative by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC) which aims at bringing electronic information to Nigerian Universities.

According to Akintunde and Anjo (2012) the idea of institutional repository in Nigeria is a current theme in tertiary institution that have seen it as a necessity for making available their institution resources, thereby increasing their visibility and better ranking of the World Universities in particular. They further stated that this has been a healthy competition because more and more of the institutions have been devising creative means to increasing their digital contents in the public domain (online), resulting in more Nigerian contents on the internet, and particularly more openness and share-ability of institutional resources. The digitization of library resources and research outputs of an institution is a step in the right direction, since the aim and overall objective is to preserve and improve access to library resources. The manual system of searching for information sources and utilization in the conventional library does not permit multiple uses of the same materials by different users. It is also inefficient and time consuming, space constraints unlike the online library system (digital library). Hence, the need to exploit the benefits of digitization and digital library system to provide online services as well as enhancing effective and efficient information service delivery in the twenty-first century.

Brief History of the Libraries under Study Ambrose Alli University Library                               

The Ambrose Alli University Library was established in 1982, to support the teaching, learning and research activities of the parent institution. The creation of Edo State in 1992 had its name changed to Edo State University and has gone through an Act signed by the then Executive Governor of the State (Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion). In 1991, the school was renamed Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, after the founder Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli.

The University Library had Prof. Sam I. Ifidon as its pioneer librarian from 1982-1997 and it current university librarian is Dr. (Mrs.) J. I. Aba. The library occupies a two story building situated at the middle of the school, it is stocked with over 280,000 (two hundred and eighty thousand) books and non book materials on various fields in line with the academic programmes of it parent institution. The library also have an E-library at the middle floor of the library, using SLAM (Strategic Library Automation Management) as it Library Application Software (LAS) for the automation of the library operations.

The main library buildings has a sitting capacity of over 500 (five hundred) readers at a time and carrels for academic staff there, are also over seven other outreach libraries established within the university community to facilitates all academic related activities (Osawele, 2015).

Benson Idahosa University Library

The Benson Idahosa University Library occupies a three story circular building situated opposite the central Administration building. The library is fully air-conditioned to enhance maximum comfort for serious academic and research activities.

The library commended in 2002 after the appropriate endorsement of the Nigerian universities commission. The library serves as the hub around which the academic activities in the university revolve. The library has a stock of over 42,014 volumes of textbooks and reference books. It subscribes to about 317 current journal titles with the 204 foreign titles and 113 local titles.

University of Benin Library (John Harris Library)

The university’s main library, the John Harris Library began with the inception of the university in 1970 at the Ekehuan Road Campus. The library was named after the pioneer librarian, Professor John Harris, from New Zealand.

The library is an ultra-modern building with central air conditioning. The building is designed to seat about 700 readers. It provides photocopying, duplicating, laminating and binding services. The library has been computerized.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Today, academic libraries are struggling to keep their place as the major sources of inquiry in the face of emerging digital technology. Library consumers (especially the digital natives) have high expectations from the librarians and information professionals than ever before in order to access the right information and knowledge in the right format and at the right time from wherever they are (Jain, 2013). The invaluable importance of library digitization such as it improves speedy access to library materials, several users can access the same information materials the same time without hindrance, it eliminate the problem of distance, improve library visibility and effective preservation of library resource and improved library services, etc, have made this become one of the major impetus for change in academic libraries in the digital age for the adoption of ICT and digitization of library resources.

Although an impressive effort has been made by Nigerian university libraries in digitizing their local contents all over the country, yet progress has been significantly slow. However, scholars have observed that it is always misleading to assume that the introduction of computer-based library (digital library system) provides perfect and trouble free information management possibilities. These perceived problems could be attributed to a number of challenges.

Knowledge of these challenges is essential for any university to be aware of in the course of digitizing it collections. It is obvious that there is still a gap which needs to be filled in order to achieve effective digitization initiatives in academic libraries in the country. Hence, the need for this study. which intends to examine the prospects and challenges of digitization of academic library resources for effective services delivery.

1.3       Objectives of the Study

The objective of this research is to investigate the prospects and challenges of digitization of academic library resources for effective service delivery. The specific objectives include to:

  1. Ascertain the purpose of digitizing library resources in the schools under study.
  2. Ascertain the resources to be digitize
  3. Reveal the facilities and equipment used for digitization
  4. Ascertain the level of digitization skills possess by the library staff.
  5. Identify the challenges affecting the digitization of library resources.

1.4       Research Questions

To achieve the foregoing objective, the following research questions are asked.

  1. What are the purposes for digitizing library resources?
  2. What are the resources available for digitization in libraries?
  3. Are there facilities and equipments for digitization in libraries
  4. What is the level of digitization skills possessed by the library staff?
  5. What are the challenges or problems affecting the digitization of library resources?

1.5       Scope of the Study

This research covers the following academic libraries in Edo State, Nigeria: Ambrose Alli University Library, Ekpoma (AAU), Benson Idahosa University Library, Benin (BIU), and University of Benin Library (John Harris Library), Benin (UNIBEN).

Furthermore, the study will unravel: purpose, facilities used in digitization; types of resources digitized, extent of digitization skills possessed by the library staff under study and challenges associated with the digitization of library resources.

1.6       Significance of the Study

The essential value of digitization of academic library resources are the ability to preserve information resources, providing a platform for share-ability and duplicity of data; quick access to information in a digital format from remote location. In view of this, it is hoped that the finding of this research work will be of benefit to the library administrators, library system analysts and digital library management staff; library scholars and researchers, student of LIS profession and the general library users.

The findings of this study will help library heads/administrators to adopt effective strategies that will help them enhance their digitization practices in libraries. The system analysts and digital library management staff (and managers) will also find this work useful. This is because it is expected that the findings of this work will be useful as to the best practices involved in digitization process, designs, programming and their formation of strategies that could better enhances digitization.

Furthermore, the findings of this study will be useful to the university management board, library head and the entire library staff as it will help to reveal to them the extent of the digitization project in their library. In addition, the findings of this study will be of benefit to the library users (library community) as it will reveal to them the various library materials that are available for digitization and when fully digitized will enable them carryout effective teaching, learning and research activities.

This work will be a vital source material to researchers (LIS researchers) especially in the area of digitization of library resources, as it will help in widening their horizon in the knowledge of digitization in libraries. It is also hoped that the finding of the research will serve as a template for further study to be carried out in the area of digitization.

1.7       Limitations of the Study

The researcher encountered a number of problems in the course of carrying out this study. The time frame to carry out the study was rather too short; there was also financial constraint and access to relevant information sources were major challenges encountered.

1.8       Operational Definition of Terms

  1. Digitization: This entails all the sequence involved in the course of converting conventional information materials into machine readable format (digital format).
  2. Digital Library: Is a collection of documents in organized electronic form, available on the internet or on CD ROM disk.
  3. Institutional Repository: A repository established and managed by public or private institution.
  4. Academic Library: Academic library can be defined as libraries attached to tertiary institutions with the primary aim of supporting its learning, teaching and research activities.
  5. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): It is an omnibus term that combines computer and telecommunication technology; it is concerned with the technology used in handling, acquiring, processing, storing and disseminating information.

 

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Corruption on Educational Service Delivery

The Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019

ABSTRACT

This research work appraises “the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019”. This study therefore looks at what authors and scholars have said concerning the subject matter as discussed in the literature review. It identifies corruption as an obstacle to the set objectives of the educational sector in service delivery as well as the attainment of the nation’s desire for manpower and national development especially in this period of global competition. It also stressed the various links through which corruption is perpetuated in the educational sector with its impact and consequences. The researcher used survey designs to carry out the study. The sample size of the population was 80. So 80 questionnaires were administered to 80 respondents in Kaduna State. But, sixty-six (66) usable questionnaires provided the database (given an 82.5% response rate) in this study. The data obtained was analysed using frequencies and simple percentage. The data collected from Kaduna State being the case study were analysed in chapter four. The work makes recommendation on some measures to check the corrupt practices giving that the phenomenon of corruption in the Nigeria educational system remains one of the greatest obstacles to the nation’s aspirations and realization towards human capacity building for national development.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background of the Study

Education is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habit in an individual so that he/she becomes useful to him/herself and to the society at large. This education can take place in formal or informal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, or acts may be considered educational. Formal education takes place in the school system under the guidance of educators. The invaluable roles and contributions of education in the development of individual and society cannot be overemphasized. Advancement in modern world is impossible without investment in human capital. Investment in human capital precipitates increase in knowledge gotten through training and education which have positive effect on the economy. Education therefore, begets development. Education increases the production of productive labours as it leads to high output in the economy thereby bringing about economic growth in the nation. It is stated in the National Policy on Education that education is an instrument that fosters the worth development of the individual’s sake, and for general development of the society. It favours the training of the mind in the understanding of the world around. It advocates the acquisition of appropriate skills and competencies in equipping the individual for the development of the country.

From the aforementioned goals, it could be seen that educational institution is an industry where future leaders, workers, doctors, lawyers, politicians, teachers, thinkers etc are produced. Any taint on this institution endangers the future and development of individuals and the nation at large.

Corruption and management of education with respect to the leadership and management of our education system hamstring the goals of National Policy on Education. The rate of corruption, bad leadership and mismanagement of educational resources is alarming.

Corruption is seen as a psychosocial beast that has been attacking different sectors of the society.  Education having been described by the National Policy on Education (2004) as an instrument of Par Excellence is an effective tool for economic, social, cultural and political transformation and national development. It encourages social and cultural integration by inculcating an attitude of social cooperation of consciousness. The Nigerian educational system has made provision of various levels of education from the primary school level (basic education secondary school to the tertiary education , Universities inclusive) in order to service the entire populace for manpower and national development. The role of education to any nation or society especially in this Age of Globalization cannot be overemphasized. The deeming effect of corruption on the educational sector cannot be underestimated. Corruption is the abuse of public power for private gain. Bribery, misappropriation of public fund, nepotism and favouritism the formulation of laws or regulations for private gain are common examples of corruption. To fight corruption the past government particularly Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration between 2000 and 2003 introduced several measures such as the establishment of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

It is therefore in the light of the foregoing that this study seeks to appraise on the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

Presently, there is no doubt to say that schools in Nigeria has been regarded as the most patronized sector by parents as a result. This perhaps may be due to the fact that it is the foundation of the whole educational pursuit, which is expected to provide literacy and enlightenment to the citizens. The importance of education can therefore be seen in the sense that parents have chosen to send their children to private schools in other to pass examinations so as to meet up with their counterparts. (Oni, 2008). What this means is that private schools have become a special centre where parents can register their children in other to write their final examinations without stress and reading, which most of the private schools have been involved without respect to policies on educational service delivery.

Corruption, as an ethical and social problem which varies from one secondary school to another, ministry to ministry, place to place, time to time, culture to culture and with the level of economic development, is a global phenomenon that affects especially private secondary schools in Nigeria. Corruption is one of the major causes of examinational malpractices in secondary schools today using Kaduna as a case study, (Aluko, 2008). It occurs at all levels of schools in Kaduna both directly and indirectly. All over Nigeria, the perception of corruption especially in private schools is very high and uncontrollable. This is because, corruption undermines every aspect of the educational system among which are, political development, economic development, social development and so on.

It therefore in the light of the above that the study seeks to appraise the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.3     Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study is appraise the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

Other specific objectives are to:

  1. Identify the causes of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.
  2. Find out the forms of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.
  3. Determine the effects of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019.

1.4       Research Questions

The following are the research questions formulated from the objectives of the study to guide the research:

  1. What are the causes of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?
  2. What are the forms of corruption in the educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?
  3. What are the effects of corruption on educational service delivery in Kaduna State from 2011 to 2019?

1.5       Research Hypothesis

Research hypothesis is a tentative and predictive answer to a question which is subjected to the power of verification and its formulation can be expressed as follows:

Ho = There is no effect of corruption on educational service delivery from 2011 to 2019

H1 = There is effect of corruption on educational service delivery from 2011 to 2019

1.6       Significance of the Study

The study being “Appraisal on the Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019” will enable readers and future researcher to have a clear view of the effect of corruption on educational service delivery in Nigeria.

The research will assist reader and students who might want to carry out research work on the subject matter and will also act as reference material for them.

1.7       Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study examined “Appraisal on the Effect of Corruption on Educational Service Delivery in Kaduna State: 2011 – 2019”.

Most research works usually come with one challenge or the other and therefore, this will not be an exemption. In projection of this study, the research work will be constrained with time as the research work is clashing with the academic workloads of the researcher.

1.8       Definitions of Key Terms

Corruption: Dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery.

Education: The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university.

Educational Service Delivery: Improving access to education services and ensuring that students learn are essential to expanding opportunities for all citizens.

Effect: A change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause.

Service Delivery: The act of providing service to people.

 

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