Autonomy and Accountability in the Nigerian University System

Abstract

The university system is anchored on certain pillars of support. Two of which are academic autonomy and accountability of the university system. The legal instruments that authorized the establishment of the university in Nigeria provide enough frameworks for its development if they are followed as expected. But over the years, there are violations and non-compliance with the requirements for autonomy. Governments or its agencies are involved in the erosion of the university autonomy in many respects such as in appointments and termination of appointments, financial matters, academic affairs and the like. Instances exist where government appoints and removes the Vice Chancellors without recourse to the Governing Council; refused to constitute the Governing Council or even set up a Special Intervention Team to undermine the law requiring her to run the university through the instrument of the Governing Council. In another situation, quality control measures such as setting academic standard which are statutorily the responsibilities of Senate is being done by government agency. Being that as it may, all stake-holders expect accountability in the university system. This paper is organised on the theoritical foundation anchored on accountability theory propounded by Frink and Kilmoski (2004), Violation of university autonomy in Nigeria in recent time, how accountability operates in the Nigerian University system, followed by conclusion and suggestions. It however cautioned that both academic autonomy and accountability in the Nigerian university system should be nurtured, with time it would gain appreciable recognition in the country