POWER PLAYS AND POLITICAL PREFERENCES: UNDERSTANDING RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

Resource allocation in Nigerian universities is a significant challenge due to the scarcity of resources and the influence of organizational politics. This study aimed to investigate the influence of organizational politics on the allocation of resources in Nigerian universities. The study utilized a descriptive survey design and sampled 229 individuals through stratified random sampling. The data collected was analyzed using mean scores, standard deviation, and hypothesis tests. The findings revealed that various categories of staff approach chairmen and members of resource allocation committees for preferential treatment. The allocation of resources by Nigerian universities is a big challenge due to the issue of sharing critical resources and the use of various committees for critical decisions. The allocation is influenced by factors such as the amount of resources available, length of service of the applicant, rank of applicant, departmental quota, priority list, and faculty quota. The study highlights the need for transparency and accountability in resource allocation in universities, and recommends that founders of universities in Nigeria improve resource allocation by applying laid-down rules and regulations.