Effect of Governance Structure on the Productivity of Higher Institutions in Nigeria: Evidence from Selected Polytechnics in South-East Nigeria

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• September 27, 2026
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Udeh, Anastasia Ifeoma – FCA, Ph.D.

Abstract         

This study examined the relationship between governance structure and institutional productivity in selected polytechnics in South-East Nigeria using primary and secondary evidence. Specifically, the study assessed the relationship between governing-board oversight, organizational structure and personnel management practices, administrative practices in relation to teaching, and governing-board activities relating to institutional international outlook. A descriptive survey design was adopted and complemented with selected institutional productivity indicators. Primary data were collected using a structured twelve-item questionnaire administered to academic and non-academic staff of four selected polytechnics: Abia State Polytechnic, Aba; Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri; and Federal Polytechnic, Oko. Of the 350 questionnaires administered, 336 were returned and 330 were complete and usable for analysis. Descriptive statistics and one-sample t-tests against the neutral scale point were used to examine the primary survey evidence, while selected institutional indicators were examined over the 2021–2024 observation period. The primary-data findings showed generally positive staff assessments across the four governance dimensions, with item mean scores ranging from 3.93 to 4.19. Governing-board oversight recorded the highest dimension-level mean (4.16), while governing-board influence on international outlook recorded the lowest (3.95), with all dimensions remaining above the neutral point. The secondary institutional indicators also showed improvement in programme accreditation, graduation rates, staff qualification levels and research output during the observation period. The institutional productivity index increased from 61.8% in 2021 to 72.4% in 2024, representing a 17.2% relative increase. Taken together, the findings indicate a consistent association between positive staff assessments of governance arrangements and improvements in selected institutional productivity indicators. However, the cross-sectional and perception-based nature of the primary evidence, together with the descriptive nature of the secondary trend data, does not establish a definitive causal effect of governance on productivity. The study recommends strengthening governing-council oversight, clarifying organizational and reporting structures, improving personnel-management practices, streamlining administrative processes that support teaching, and strengthening institutional partnerships and international engagement

Keywords: Governance Structure; Governing Council; Institutional Productivity; Oversight; Organizational Structure; Personnel Management; Polytechnics; Nigeria.Cite: Udeh, A. I. (2026). Effect of Governance Structure on the Productivity of Higher Institutions in Nigeria: Evidence from Selected Polytechnics in South-East Nigeria. International Journal of Management Foresight and Strategy,4(7), 547- 566. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22984931