Vol. 3 - 2026
Because of the growing difficulties with funding challenges, governance weakness, policy uncertainty and shifting societal expectations, the sustainability of higher education institutions (HEIs) has become a major issue. The role of leadership and governance as institutional assets for attaining excellence in academic performances and institutional sustainability and resilience is gaining increased recognition. The present study investigated the perceived role of leadership practices and governance structures on the sustainability of institutions in selected State owned higher education institutions in Southwest Nigeria. The study used descriptive survey research design with the support theory of transformational leadership and good governance theory. The sampling technique used in the study was stratified random sampling and the number of respondents were 68 academic and administrative staff of five State owned higher education institutions. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data which were then analysed descriptively, with the use of frequencies and percentages. It was found that leadership practices, especially strategic vision, motivation, participatory decision making, transparency and accountability, were perceived as important factors of institutional sustainability. Likewise, transparent and accountable governance with a high degree of stakeholder involvement, efficient policy execution and checks and balances within the institutions was seen as a crucial factor for sustainable institutional development. The results also revealed that the leadership and governance are linked institutional processes where good governance facilitates good leadership and vice versa, that is, good governance helps provide structure for sustainable institutional management. The study finds that capacity building and strengthening governance mechanisms are key elements of building institutional resilience and sustainability in HEIs in Nigeria. It suggests ongoing leadership development, enhanced accountability systems, and participatory governance processes, as well as strategic institutional planning, for a more sustainable process of higher education development.
Institutional Sustainability, Higher Education Institutions, Leadership; Governance, Transformational Leadership
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