This paper investigated the existence, effectiveness, managerial problems and strategies for effective management of alternative sources of funding tertiary education. Education which was acclaimed as having the potential for national transformation would not be offered without adequate funding as efforts so far made in the area of funding were adjudged inadequate.
The population of the study consisted of 50 respondents all of which were used for the study as no sample was drawn. The instrument was a questionnaire titled “Effective Management of Alternative Sources of Funding Questionnaire (EMASFQ).The questionnaire was validated by experts and tested for reliability using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. The four sections of the instrument yielded 0.84, 0.82, 0.79 and 0.73 values respectively. Data collected were analyzed using mean ratings. Conclusion was drawn that though alternative sources of funding were in existence for alleviating funding problems in colleges of education, ineffective management could not allow this lofty objective to be achieved. The paper recommended among others that only those with entrepreneurial knowledge should be allowed to manage revenue yielding out fits in the colleges.
Introduction
There cannot be any realistic national transformation in the absence of relevant educational practices. This is because education has remained a veritable instrument for promotion and sustenance of national transformation. Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) stated that education will continue to be highly rated in the national development plans because education is the most important instrument of change, as any fundamental change in the intellectual and social outlook of any society has to be preceded by an educational revolution.
Education is widely acclaimed as having the potential for transmission of desirable values such as work ethics, patriotism, honesty and fairness all of which are attributes of national transformation. Scholars such as Oyekan (2000) and Okecha (2002) are in consensus that education is one of the main instruments for developing the capabilities of nations and for harnessing their vast resources for functional self-reliance and survival of humanity. Education is therefore a vital tool for growth, transformation and survival.
However, funding has remained a critical factor in the provision of functional education that can lead to national transformation. Ayeni and Babalola (2009) argued that funding was central and germane to the success of all levels of education. Nigeria is aware of the importance of funding education hence some efforts already made in the allocation of fund to tertiary level of education such as Colleges of Education. For instance, in 2007 Government allocated the sum of N 25.9 million naira to each of the 174 Colleges of Education in the country and N321 million naira each in 2012 which is 72.11 percent increase compared to the previous. Similarly, in 2012, N1billion naira was allocated to one college of Education in each of the nation’s six geo-political zones as special intervention fund (Abubakar, 2012).
In spite of these efforts, there has been wide outcry against poor funding of education in the country especially the tertiary level. Onuka in Ayeni, et al (2009) expressed the notion that higher education sub-sector had suffered continuously from inadequate and poor funding. Ezekwesiri (2006) added that the underfunding of education especially at the tertiary level has become recurring phenomenon in the polity, because almost everyone seemed to agree that funds allocation to the education sector could not meet its needs taking into consideration the monumental decadence in the education sector. Similarly, National Commission for Colleges of Education (2006) lamented inadequate funding of colleges of education arising from low government subventions and poor revenue generation base.
Several research findings (Enyi, 2001, Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1991 and Okoli, 2006) indicated a consensus that the main cause of apparent collapse of tertiary education in Nigeria had been inadequate funding. Reports of a number of groups, committees and commissions such Fafunwa study Group on Funding of Education of 1984, World Bank report of 1987 and Longe Commission of 1990 on review of higher education in Nigeria virtually arrived at the same verdict about the main cause of apparent decay in the nations tertiary education sub-sector as poor funding. As a result of this, all recommendations suggested diversification of sources of funding tertiary education. This accounts for why colleges of education became involved in several income generating activities such as extra- mural programmes, health services, shopping centres and consultancy services.
Despite these income generating activities, the overall economic picture of many colleges of education is still deplorable. According to Nwabueze (1995), 95 percent of funds expended in the colleges are still received from the government. The trend persisted and aggravated the poor condition of the colleges as captured in the following statements:
Colleges of education in Nigeria presently and in all ramifications appear to have been bedeviled with physical- facility related problems. The prevailing circumstance in virtually all the colleges is over-crowded hostels, unconducive and insufficient classroom facilities. Some college buildings are usually seen in bad condition with either blown off roofs, broken walls, leaking roofs or both suggesting over usage and lack of maintenance. …. Facilities are either lacking or deteriorating and these have led to poor job satisfaction among workers and consequently decline in academic achievement (Ezeuwa, 2009:231).
Alternative sources of funding if effectively managed can serve as a veritable compliment of the funds provided for the colleges by the government. Given adequate management, alternative sources of funding could provide a viable supplementary source of government efforts in funding higher education (Enyi, 2001).With effective management of alternative sources of funding, it is believed that the colleges will not only soar high in their academic programmes but, also align themselves on the path of self-
sustaining development for national transformation.
It is against this backdrop therefore that, this paper is set to ascertain the existence, investigate effectiveness, managerial problems and strategies for effective management of alternative sources of funding public colleges of education, with the aim of making them a dependable and viable source for complimenting government efforts in funding tertiary education.
Research Questions
The study was guided by the following research questions:
1. What are alternative sources of funding currently existing in colleges of education?
2. What is the effectiveness of the identified sources in alleviating funding challenges in colleges of education?
3. What problems militate against effective management of alternative funding sources?
4. What strategies could be adopted to enhance effective management of the sources?
Methodology
The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 5 bursars, 5 registrars and 40 finance officers from 5 colleges of education namely; Ebonyi State College 0f Education, Ikwo, Federal College of Education, Obudu, College of Education, Ankpa, Federal College of Education, Akoka and college of Education, Azare. All the registrars, bursars and finance officers were used for the study as no sample was drawn. On the whole, 50 key respondents were involved in the study.
Study instrument was a researcher designed questionnaire titled “Effective Management of Alternative Sources of Funding Questionnaire (EMASFQ)”. It is a 50 item statement questionnaire consisting of four (4) sections designed to seek information on alternative sources of funding existing in the colleges, effectiveness of these sources in alleviating funding problems in the colleges, problems militating against effective management of these sources and strategies for enhancing effective management of the sources. .
Two experts, one in finance and the other in the area of measurement and evaluation validated the instrument. Their comments and suggestions led to the reduction of the items from original 60 t0 50. Reliability of the instrument was established using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Reliability coefficient values of 0.84, 0.82, 0.79 and 0.73 respectively were obtained from each of the four sections, A-D. Fifty (50) copies of the questionnaire administered through four (4) research assistants one from each of the colleges were returned and used for analysis.
Research questions were answered using mean ratings. Item with mean score of 2.5 and above were regarded as having positive/agree response while scores less than 2.5 were regarded as having negative/disagree response.
Result
Table 1: Existence of Alternative Sources of Funding in the Sampled Colleges of Education
|
S/NO |
Alternative Sources |
X |
Decision |
|
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. |
Extra-mural studies Nursery/primary school Bookshop Renting of college facilities Guest house/catering services Conference/seminar activities Consultancy services Printing and publishing business Banking services Agricultural business (poultry, pigry, etc.) Shopping/super market Laboratory services Hire of sporting facilities Health services Library services (Books lending, etc) |
2.9 2.58 3.04 2.76 2.62 3.22 2.62 1.7 1.82 3.3 3.1 2.52 2.56 3.28 2.64 |
positive positive positive positive positive positive positive negative negative positive positive positive positive positive positive |
|
Grand total Grand mean |
40.66 2.71 |
Table 1 summaries level of existence of alternative sources of funding education. That out of 15 alternative sources, 13 met 2.5 and above decision score is indicative of not only their existence but popularity in the surveyed colleges of education. In deed, only 2 sources (publishing and printing business and banking services) appeared unpopular having recorded 1.72 and 1.82 respectively. Alternative sources of funding education are therefore in existence in colleges of education.
Table 2: Effectiveness of alternative sources of funding in alleviating economic problems in Sampled Colleges of Education.
|
S/No |
Alternative Sources |
X |
SD |
|
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. |
Extra-mural studies Nursery/primary school fees/levies Bookshop Renting of college facilities Guest house/catering services Conference/seminar activities Consultancy services Printing and publishing business Banking services Agricultural business (poultry, pigry, etc.) Shopping/super market Laboratory services Hire of sporting facilities Health services Library services (Books lending, etc) |
3.0 2.66 3.06 2.72 2.68 3.16 2.86 2.88 2.52 3.12 3.0 2.54 2.64 3.16 2.68 |
0.97 1.00 1.03 0.96 1.03 0.93 1.04 0.91 1.07 0.93 1.03 1.09 1.12 1.01 1.15 |
Results in table 2 indicate extent of effectiveness of alternative sources. Given the decision score of 2.5 and above all the 15 items listed were effective in alleviating funding problems in the college of education. It is therefore believed that alternative sources of funding education are effective in alleviating funding problems faced by the institutions.
Table 3: Problems militating against Effective management of alternative sources
|
S/NO |
Problem |
X |
SD |
|
1. |
Inadequate entrepreneurial knowledge by staff involved |
2.76 |
0.98 |
|
2. |
Poor performance on job |
2.7 |
1.12 |
|
3. |
Corruption in public service |
2.98 |
1.03 |
|
4. |
Poor remuneration of staff |
2.54 |
1.09 |
|
5. |
Inability of management to initiate effective managerial strategies |
2.58 |
1.16 |
|
6. |
Poor attitude towards public enterprise |
2.62 |
1.02 |
|
7. |
Unreliable public utilities (electricity, water supply, etc.) |
2.78 |
1.01 |
|
8. |
Stringent college financial policies |
2.64 |
1.10 |
|
9. |
Low public patronage |
2.44 |
1.07 |
|
10 |
Power tussle among management members |
2.38 |
1.02 |
Going by a 2.5 mid-point in the 4-point rating scale, results in table 3 above show that all the items except 9 and 10 had mean ratings above the mid-point indicating that effective management of existing alternative sources of funding is frustrated by 8 identified problems with item 3 “corruption in public service” recording the highest of 2.98.
Table 4: strategies for enhancing effective management of alternative sources
|
S/No |
Problem |
X |
SD |
|
1. |
Using only knowledgeable entrepreneurial personnel to manage revenue yielding ventures |
2.6 |
1.03 |
|
2. |
Encouraging hard work and dedication to duty |
1.01 |
|
|
3. |
Introducing stringent disciplinary measures against corrupt officials |
2.5 |
1.03 |
|
4. |
Sufficient remuneration of revenue officers |
2.86 |
0.96 |
|
5. |
Initiating reliable financial management policies |
2.88 |
1.00 |
|
6. |
Carrying out orientation against negative attitude towards public enterprise |
2.62 |
1.00 |
|
7. |
Improving on infrastructural facilities and public utilities |
2.62 |
0.96 |
|
8. |
Encouraging members of the public to patronize college business outfits |
2.72 |
1.06 |
|
9. |
Using appropriate machinery to ensure accountability |
2.86 |
1.03 |
|
10. |
Evolving clear-cut job description amongst members of college management |
2.52 |
0.99 |
Results in table 4 above indicate that all the strategies listed were appropriate for enhancing effective management of alternative sources of funding in colleges of education. All the identified strategies recorded mean ratings of 2.5 and above. The highest mean rating was recorded in the case of “encouraging hard work and dedication to duty” followed by “initiating reliable financial policies”. Both recorded 3.0 and 2.88 respectively.
Summary of Major Findings
The following major findings were made by the study.
1. Alternative sources of funding education are already available in colleges of education
2. Available sources can effectively alleviate the funding problems of the colleges
3. Utilization of the sources is negatively being affected by ineffective management.
4. Proper utilization of the sources in funding college programmes can be enhanced by effective management
Discussion
The first finding of the study reveals that alternative sources of funding tertiary education are available in colleges of education in Nigeria. This is because out of 15 item sources listed, respondents identified 13 of them as popular in the colleges. Extramural studies, nursery/primary school levies/fees, proceeds from bookshop, renting of college facilities, conference/seminar activities among others were all in existence. Two sources namely; printing and publishing enterprise and banking services were identified to also be in existence but presently not popular sources of alternative funding. The finding agrees with Ogbonna (2000), Maduewesi (2001) and Enyi (2001) which stated that management of tertiary educational institutions could source out alternative means of funding their progremmes rather than depend completely on government.
The second finding reveals that these alternative sources can effectively alleviate economic crisis bedeviling public colleges of education in Nigeria. All the 15 sources listed were approved as having the capacity of alleviating funding problems in the colleges of education. This view corroborates with Enyi (2001) that viewed alternative sources of funding education as dependable in alleviating economic crisis in Nigeria higher education.
However study findings such as Nwaka (1998), Enyi (1999) and Ezeuwa (2009) have shown that mere existence of these income-generating activities does not necessarily guarantee their effective use in alleviating financial problems confronting our tertiary education. The third finding of this study reveals that proper utilization of these alternative sources is negatively being affected by poor management. Corruption which is prevalent in public service enjoys popularity as a major cause of ineffective management of existing alternative sources of funding. This situation accounts for why Okeke (2009) warned that public schools should carefully husband their sources of fund and eschew all forms of corruption.
On the strategy for coping with the problems of ineffective management of alternative sources of funding, the issue of encouraging hard work and dedication to duty emerged as the dominant choice. This is not surprising as records (Enyi, 2001a; Enyi, 2001b identified the need for using dedicated and talented finance workers in managing business outfits of public schools. Encouraging hard work and dedication to duty is necessary as motivation has been noted to be a good administrative measure for achieving high productivity among workers within an organization.
Implications of the Study
It is certain that there cannot be effective transformation of Nigeria without proper education. The citizens must be given the opportunity to acquire the right type of education which can only be made possible by adequate funding. Colleges of education are positioned to train teachers who would train the rest of the people to acquire knowledge, skills and attitude that will enhance national transformation. Since the efforts of the government so far in funding the colleges are adjudged inadequate, evolving alternative sources of funding becomes necessary. These alternative sources would not just exist but effectively managed to alleviate the financial crisis in the institutions.
Conclusion
Mere existence of alternative sources of funding cannot guarantee their effectiveness in alleviating financial crisis in colleges of education. They must be effectively managed for them to yield financial resources that will be used for college programmes. Certain problems such as corruption and lack of dedication to duty have been identified to hamper effective management of the alternative sources. To cope with the problems, strategies were identified to include using appropriate machinery to ensure accountability among others.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made:
· Though alternative sources of funding exist in colleges of education, college administrators should further explore more sources for inclusion in the existing ones to make them more varied.
· College management should conscientiously make existing alternative sources of funding reliable means of funding education programmes.
· College management should carry out well planned orientation of finance officers and all the workers of the college on the need for effective management of alternative sources of funding.
· Concerned staff of the colleges should be exposed to modern business management strategies through regular workshops, seminars and conferences.
· College administrators should insist on proper and effective management of alternative sources of funding by formulating and ensuring implementation of relevant policies.
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