HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR QUALITY EDUCATION DELIVERY IN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

University is the highest level of every educational system and it is a major vehicle for economic and social development. According to the Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004), the mandate of the university is to teach and develop high level relevant manpower, conduct research for development and provide community service. Moreso, the vital role of the university in national development has been highlighted. According to Onokerhoraya and Nwonye (1995), universities are responsible for equipping individuals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed for positions of responsibility in government, business and other professions. This means that universities are expected to produce high level manpower that can respond positively to the nation’s goals and aspirations.

The achievement of the above laudable goals of a university depends to a large extent on availability of resources and their proper management. Hanson (1995) defined a resource as simply whatever that can be used to perform an educational function and realize an educational goal. To Adedeji (1998), resources are the things invested into the educational system with a view to achieving educational aims and objectives maximally and at a reduced cost. Based on the above definitions, one can deduce that resources are the vital inputs made into the educational system for the achievement of the specified educational aims and objectives.