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.