Publication Details
Abstract
Educational Administration and Planning is an important programme in Nigerian universities because it prepares professionals with the knowledge and skills required for educational leadership, policy formulation, institutional planning, resource management and programme evaluation. Despite its importance, the implementation of the programme is confronted by several challenges that affect the quality of teaching, learning and research. This paper examined eight major problems facing the implementation of Educational Administration and Planning programmes in Nigerian universities. The problems identified include inadequate funding, shortage of qualified academic staff, inadequate infrastructural and instructional facilities, inadequate educational data and weak planning information systems, poor research support and limited research funding, brain drain of experienced academic staff, inadequate ICT facilities and digital competence, and poor cooperation and weak linkages among university units. The paper observed that these challenges are interconnected and have implications for curriculum delivery, students' practical training, research productivity, staff development and the production of competent educational administrators and planners. The paper concludes that improving the implementation of the programme requires sustainable funding, recruitment and retention of qualified academic staff, provision of modern infrastructure and ICT facilities, strengthening of institutional data systems, increased research support and improved collaboration among university units. It recommends that the Federal Government, National Universities Commission, university management and relevant stakeholders should develop coordinated strategies to strengthen the programme and ensure that graduates acquire competencies required for effective educational administration and planning in Nigeria.