SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND FUNDING PRACTICES OF HIGHER INSTITUTIONS

<doi>10.24250/jpe/2/2025/NJKA/</doi>

Abstract

Financing university education presents a major challenge
for the Nigerian population. This study examines the
impact of school leadership, specifically governance
structures and stakeholder participation, and funding
practices in higher education. A purposive sampling
technique was used to select 450 participants from
Nigerian public universities. Data were analyzed using
Smart PLS tools to assess the relationship between school
leadership management and funding practices. The
findings indicate that strong governance structures and
active stakeholder participation significantly enhance the
effectiveness of funding practices in higher education
institutions. These factors contribute to improved resource
utilization and accountability. To strengthen higher
education funding, universities should implement robust
governance frameworks and encourage stakeholder
involvement in decision-making processes. This approach
ensures transparency, democratic governance, and
sustainable financial practices. This study provides
empirical evidence on the positive correlation between
school leadership management and effective funding
practices, contributing to the limited research on
governance and financial sustainability in Nigerian higher
education.