ADMINISTRATION

Permanent URI for this collection

https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/handle/123456789/20

Browse

Browsing ADMINISTRATION by Subject "(1962-1982)"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Item
    AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY: TWENTY YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT (1962-1982)
    (1984) SAWA, BITRUS PILASAR
    ABSTRACT This research investigated the development of Ahmadu Bello University during the last two decades, with specific reference to and emphasis on the role of administrative functions and planning in the realisation of the goals of the University as conceived by the founding Fathers. A University which opened with 425 students in 7 foundation faculties and 15 departments in 1962, now has a student population of 12,500 undergraduates and post graduates 11 faculties and 80 Departments in 1982. Besides the historical and the statistical presentations made about the University, six null hypotheses were formulated and subjected to testing. The hypotheses attempted to assess the rapport within the academic community, the achievements, the quality of management, the role of finance and the fulfilment of the goals of the founding Fathers, with a view to ascertaining the realities of the situation. Questionnaires were the main instruments of investigation, supplemented by structured (focused) interviews. The sample of the various subjects involved in the investigation cut across a wide spectrum of the society. The first indigenous Governor of Northern Nigeria, and six past and present principal officers of the University, and some pioneer Council members were interviewed. The 40 administrative staff, 195 academic staff, 313 students, 57 local farmers, local traders and cattle rearers, five early settlers including the Chief of Samaru Village, were selected as group samples of the target population for the research. The data collected from both the primary and the secondary sources were analysed using the t-test, the ANOVA and the Scheffe statistical instruments. Both the planning and the administrative functions of the University were delineated and the respective responses related to each parameter were categorised. A model university was constructed based on a theoretical framework presented by the researcher Ahmadu Bello University was then screened in juxtaposition to the model university, to determine the extent of its conformity with, or deviation from the model universe' . The research revealed that the planning and the administrative functions were influenced largely by a number of complex factors. Among the major factors identified in the research are: (a) Funding and financial constraints in the face of high demand for admissions, particularly from the Northern States. This at one time precipitated a crisis for Ahmadu Bello University in the late 1960s and early 1970s. So finance played a major role as confirmed by respondents within and outside the University in accordance with hypothesis 5. (b) Administrative leadership style of successive chief academic and executive officers in the management of the University. This related to hypotheses 2 and 4. (c) Development planning problems were quite often on the verge of crisis. For instance, planning often seemed to trail behind actual financial provisions, thereby giving rise to various problems. This factor hinged on finance, which has been reflected in hypothesis 5. (d) In 1975 Ahmadu Bello University was federalised along with other state universities. This led to a dearth in basic academic and infrastructural facilities due to decline in subventions in real terms from 1975 to 1982. Both factors (c) and (d) related to financing of the University, an issue embodied for testing in hypothesis 5. Arising from the findings of the study some key recommendations were made as follows: (a) That ways and means be found to promote higher degree of harmony among the members of the university community. (b) That a Visitation Committee be constituted for periodical appraisal of the academic and administrative programmes. (c) That the University farm be commercialised to include the provision of animal feed mills and equally retain its academic activities for teaching and research. (d) That the direct teaching cost be increased relative to other student costs per annum. (e) That Ahmadu Bello University should consolidate its development and expand its postgraduate programmes. Directions for further research were specified, calling for comparative research study between Ahmadu Bello University and the Universities of Tfe, and Lagos as contemporary institutions.