EDUCATIONAL MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

Introduction

Education remains the cornerstone of national development, and effective management of the education sector is essential for achieving quality learning outcomes and sustainable socio-economic growth. Educational management refers to the process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling educational resources and activities to achieve desired educational goals. It involves the coordination of human, financial, and material resources to ensure the smooth functioning of educational institutions at all levels. In Nigeria, educational management plays a crucial role in promoting efficiency, accountability, and innovation in the nation’s education system.

However, despite its significance, educational management in Nigeria faces numerous challenges that hinder the attainment of its objectives. The system continues to grapple with inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, shortage of qualified personnel, weak policy implementation, corruption, and frequent policy changes. These challenges have contributed to declining educational standards, low productivity, and poor global competitiveness of Nigerian institutions (Ogunode, 2021; Okebukola, 2015). Additionally, issues such as political interference, weak leadership, and insufficient use of data in educational planning further compound the problems confronting educational administrators and policymakers.

Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and strategic approach that focuses on reform, accountability, and innovation in the management of education. Effective leadership, stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and transparent use of resources are vital components of sustainable educational management in Nigeria. Moreover, the adoption of modern management practices such as data-driven decision-making, digital administration, and participatory governance can enhance the efficiency and quality of education delivery.

This chapter therefore examines the concept of educational management in Nigeria, identifying its major challenges and proposing practical solutions to strengthen the system. It aims to provide insights that will help policymakers, administrators, and education stakeholders understand the complexities of managing education in a developing context and offer pathways toward achieving a more effective and sustainable educational system in Nigeria.