It costs a lot to go to college or university and the increasing costs have many wondering if there is real value to a college education. Is the cost of tuition, the time lost to full-time employment, and the thousands of dollars of debt worth the investment? Those are good questions and the answers may lie in a review of the value of a college education and rates of return on investment to both the individual and to society.

On the financial side of the equation there is significant data to suggest that on average and over time a college graduate will earn a great deal more than a high school graduate. The United States Census bureau estimates that over a lifetime a college graduate will earn on average about $2.1 million dollars compared to an average lifetime income of $1.2 million dollars for a high school graduate.

Compared with the cost of attending a four year public university of college at an average of about $10,000 per year and even adding the cost of lost working time, it is clearly of financial value to attend university.

But college graduates also enjoy other benefits in addition to the possibility of increased earning power. In 1998 the Institute for Higher Education Policy published a report that stated that people who completed a college or university program experienced a number of ancillary benefits. They included higher levels of saving, increased personal/professional mobility, improved quality of life for their offspring, better consumer decision making, and more hobbies and leisure activities.

Another report published by the Carnegie Foundation noted some other benefits of higher education that included the tendency for postsecondary students to become more open-minded, more cultured, more rational, more consistent and less authoritarian and that these benefits are also passed along to succeeding generations.

A college education can even improve your health and a number of research studies have shown positive correlation between completion of higher education and good health, not only for oneself, but also for one’s children.

There is also benefit and value to the public from higher education. According to the Institute for Higher Education these benefits include increased tax revenues, greater workplace productivity, increased consumption, increased workforce flexibility, and decreased reliance on government financial support.

So it appears that even after rigorous scientific review and analysis there is still much value in a college education. But I think we knew that all along.

About the Author: This article courtesy of http://www.degrees-online.net

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If my GPA is low, does that mean that I can’t go to college? No! Although your GPA is one element that the admissions committee will be evaluating, your GPA alone does not get you into college. In this article, we’ll discuss how to get into college with a low GPA.

Here are some ways that you can combat that low GPA:

Score high on the SAT/ACT. Schools are beginning to weigh student’s standardized test scores more heavily than ever before. This is your chance to shine in front of the admissions committee. In order to do this though, you have to put in some effort. If you adequately prepare for your upcoming standardized exams, you can achieve a high score without a problem. Don’t be afraid to sign-up for a SAT or ACT prep course or to go down to your local bookstore to pick-up a book that has some practice questions. Remember, practice makes perfect…well, maybe not perfect, but practice makes a HIGH SCORE!

Be Active on Campus. Are you president of student government or the captain of the cheerleading team? Tell them about it! Leadership skills and extracurricular involvement is a big deal to the college admissions committee. When filling out this part of your application, it’s okay to brag a little bit. Make sure you use words like teamwork, leadership, time management, collaborate, team player, etc. If you’re not that active on campus, no worries…there’s always time to sign-up for volunteer work. Community service demonstrates activism and dedication. You can typically find volunteer opportunities posted on bulletin boards around campus, just keep an eye out for them.

Write a GREAT Entrance Essay. Really take your time on this part of the application. Make sure you fully understand what the admissions committee is asking you before you formulate a draft. Once you have a full understanding of the question, take a few days just to brainstorm about possible things that you may want to write about. Make sure that you grab the reader’s attention and give specific examples. Also, it’s important that you have someone else proofread your essays to ensure that it is free of punctuation, grammar, or spelling errors.

What if I try all this and I still can’t get into a 4-year college or university? Don’t get down on yourself. You still have some other options. There are many top-notch community colleges and online programs that you could attend. Take a couple years to get your grades up to prove to the admissions committee that you are indeed deserving of acceptance into their university. As long as you’re successful in these college-level courses, you’ll have no trouble getting into a 4-year college or university.

This is how to get into college with a low GPA. Are you feeling more encouraged? I sure hope so. Now go get started on putting some of these action items into motion. I know you can do it!

Good Luck future college student!

About the Author: Do you desperately want to get accepted into the college of your dreams? CLICK HERE right now to get more useful information about the college admissions process at TheCollegeHelper.com. Don’t delay, your future is at stake!

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* What is the difference between a college and a university?

The term college refers to an educational establishment which grants bachelor degrees in science, liberal arts, both, or in one specific study area. On the other hand, a university encompasses undergraduate studies, graduate and professional schools. A university is composed of different colleges.

* What is the difference between a Major degree and a Minor degree?

A major degree covers academic subjects where your study is chiefly concentrated, while a minor degree is classified as your second choice for scholastic specialization. Most often, the minor requires fewer credit hours than the major field of study.

* What are some ways to prepare for college financially?

Parents often start preparing financially for college when a child is very young, by investing in educational plans or mutual funds and opening a college savings account in a bank. Students can also begin saving money for their college education by having part-time jobs while they are still in high school.

* When is a good time to start applying for financial aid?

Start early. The sooner the better. Once you decide to enroll in college and you think you will need financial aid, then it is best to apply as soon as you qualify with the entrance examination.

After your parents have obtained their financial documents and other pertinent data such as income tax returns, you can file for financial assistance.

* Where can you find information about available scholarships?

There are various ways to search for available scholarship grants. You may want to start asking your local government if they have scholarship aids being offered. You may also want to check other centers for you to obtain the scholarships that you want:

- Guidance counselors

- Church

- Community Foundations

- Other Volunteer Organizations

- Chamber of Commerce

* How do you apply for local scholarships?

You need to prepare all important documents such as your academic performance report and your parents’ financial statements. Before you fill out any form, carefully read the eligibility terms for each scholarship and choose only the ones suited for you.

After you have chosen the appropriate local scholarship for you, then it is time to fill out the forms needed. One important document you need to provide, together with your scholarship forms, is your cover letter citing the need for financial aid.

* Can you be awarded more than one scholarship to the same school?

Yes. Depending on the school rules and regulations, you may be eligible to have more than one scholarship at the same school. Most often, several scholarships are granted if it is under the “school scholarships” category. However if it falls under the “college scholarship” category then you are more likely to obtain one scholarship but can still acquire others outside your college jurisdiction.

* When should I apply to the college of my choice?

You can start applying to colleges as early as your junior year in high school. Make sure. though. that before you fill out any college application forms, your SAT or ACT results are handy.

If you have not started processing college applications during your junior year, you can still do so in your senior year. You need to prepare pertinent documents and fill out applications, together with your cover letter. You may also visit the school’s admissions office for further information.

About the Author: Clyde Earhardt is editor of College Ed, the online College guide. He also writes College FAQ’s for PrettyGreatAnswers.com.

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There are many universities online, and many of them have unique advantages. With an online university popping up all over the net, it becomes hard to decide which university online school offers the best package for each individual so they can find the top online university.

Online Universities have grown to be a place for many busy individuals who lack time and have family responsibilities to continue their education. Here are a few important tips that you can use when considering your university online.
Accreditation

Almost all education guides will ask you to make sure that the online university of your choice or the online degree program that you are going to enroll on must be accredited by any of the agencies that are accepted by the US Department of Education. In fact, it is the main factor to be considered when you select your university online course.

In simple terms, accreditation is an official evaluation procedure on school programs and policies by one of the agencies that are accepted by the US Department of Education to see if they meet certain criteria. When a school meets the criteria, it is granted accreditation. If your degree is from an accredited online university, your degree will be accepted by most employers, eliminating the risk of unrecognized or fake degrees.

Get university online degrees that Will Look Good In Your Resume.

With so many online universities and online colleges available, you may find it hard to decide which school to choose for your degree. Put yourself in the shoes of the employer for just a minute, a degree from well known state university online like the University of Phoenix and Kaplan University would look far more appealing than a university like the University of Joe Bloggs right?

A degree from a renowned & prestigious online university will make your resume be worth its weight in gold. An applicant from a renowned online university will definitely make an impression on the hiring manager, over a graduate from Joe Bloggs university. Its easy to do some analysis and get some feedback from any of online degree forums about the online to see which is the best known and best acceptable university before you make your decision.

Lab Works Near Your Location

Some university online courses require you to complete a stipulated amount of lab hours work before you can earn your degree. If your busy working schedule will not allow you to travel far, then, you need to consider an online university that has a local facility or agreement with a local institution for you to carry out your lab work.

Credit Transfer

There are many universities online that allow you to transfer your credits earned from your previous degree to save you some credit hours and credit cost. Always check out this information from the admission officer before you enroll into the degree program.

Selecting a university online for your online degree program can be a hard decision: so many options available and too many degree programs. As long as you follow the above guidelines and do your research, you will find university online degrees to suit your needs.

Choosing an accredited online university means you are getting the very best degree.

There have been so many online universities that have started to offer online degrees very recently and more are coming. So the question remains, which university online is trustworthy? The answer is easy: it is trustworthy if only if it’s an accredited online university that has a good quality, venerable reputation.

Accreditation is almost a benchmark given by the US Department of Education. It shows that a University has met academic standards essential to give its students a precise and inclusive education.

So what does that mean for you?

As most students go into an online university to progress their chances for future jobs, accreditation is vital. Many employers look at accreditation as a validation of your degree. A degree by itself is just a piece of paper, but accredited it gives the employer a sense of security, knowing that you have acquired from an online accredited university that has met all the top standards. The second reason it is important is that you are paying for a degree online and you want to make sure that you get all the credit you deserve for all that hard work you put in.

Online universities accredited by the government standard will give you degree programs that other universities who do not offer accredited online university degrees just cant compete with. Having a degree from a nationally accredited online university is like having the president going live on air and saying you can enter the whitehouse anytime you like! Because the university is accredited online you have far more clout and pulling power when you send your resume off to prospective employees.

Now you understand what exactly makes an online university trustworthy, for you to make the most of your investment in your education, you must choose an accredited online university degree program with a good quality reputation. Even though there are many universities out there that have accreditation, at least you have shortlisted your choices down to the most reliable.

One of the most convenient ways to further your education while keeping a job and home is registering for an online degree. With online courses you will have interactive classes via the net, will receive course work online, have an advisor who will guide you 24/7, and you can at your own convenience complete assignments from home.
There are many online universities, and many of them have unique advantages. But which will be the Best Online University for me? With online universities sprouting up everywhere it becomes difficult to determine which schools offer the best package for which individuals. To assist you there we have taken three criteria; marketability, usability, and class quality.
Marketability:

There is little question that among online universities, which university carries the best reputation. Employers consistently regard the students coming out of reputed universities as prepared for the job market and as a result, a degree from a reputed university, more than any other online university, confers marketability. There are hundreds of small universities spread throughout the country which offers very less online programs and as a result they are not that much confers marketability.
Usability:

Students consistently report good experiences with the guided notes of online universities. As it has replaced the tedious classroom chat room and malfunctioning web cams of old. Students like to prefer using online systems which have been perfected for many years.
Class Quality:

Students consistently report quality teaching in every department. There are universities like Phoenix which offers wide array of class choices.
There are many online universities which are reputed. Some of them are University of Phoenix Online, Colorado Online Technical University, Devry Online University, Boston Online University and Kaplan Online University.
University of Phoenix Online:

The University of Phoenix Online is the most widely recognized online university in the world. But beyond job opportunities, Phoenix also excels above most of its competitors with respect to teaching.
Colorado Online Technical University:

Colorado Technical University is suitable for high school graduates and adult working class professionals. Their convenient online and on ground classes will help adults build their schedules around their profession. At Colorado Technical University you will gain inspiration and an increased desire for gaining more education throughout your life time.
Devry Online University:

Devry University is one of the oldest and most widely recognized online universities. DeVry students have the unique opportunity to choose to take courses online or opt to take some in live physical classrooms. The school is uniquely able to provide many students with employment as they proceed through their education.
Boston Online University:

An online degree from Boston University represents achievement of a high academic standard. At Boston University Online, you can earn your degree during the hours and in the location that work best for youwithout settling for anything less than the resources and distinction of a great university.
Kaplan Online University:

Kaplan University focuses on adding a human touch to the high technology of learning online. The flexibility and dynamic interaction of online education at Kaplan University also allows for innovative learning opportunities.
There are many good universities out there. But according to your needs and requirements in your education, you must have to choose the best online university.

The University of Rajasthan is considered one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in Rajasthan. . It was established on 8th January, 1947, in the name of ‘University of Rajputana’ with the main objective of distributing knowledge and catering to the needs of the students of whole Rajasthan. It had jurisdiction over the entire state.
In the year 1956, the Rajputana University was renamed as the University of Rajasthan, keeping in one piece its enveloping jurisdiction. With the successive creation of other universities, its affiliating jurisdiction has come down but it is regarded as the hub of Higher Education in Rajasthan paving the way for the other universities. It attracts students from all over Rajasthan and other parts of India and abroad.

‘University of Rajasthan’ is a multi-faculty University and is recognized under 2F and 12B of University Grant Commission (U.G.C) .
It contains 36 Post Graduate Departments, 15 recognized Research Centers, 6 Constituent Colleges and 500 Affiliated Colleges spanning 6 districts.
Not a single Indian university was in the top 300 of Academic Ranking of World Universities in 2006. However, six Indian Institutes of Technology and Birla Institute of Technology and Science – Pilani, were listed among the top 20 science and technology schools in Asia by Asiaweek.[The Indian School of Business was ranked number 15 in global MBA rankings by the Financial Times of London in 2009 while the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has been recognized as a global leader in medical research and treatment.Similarly, the National Law School of India University situated in Bangalore is often considered to be the best law school in South Asia and a pioneer in legal education in India.
The University has been established by the Singhania University, Pacheri Bari, Distt. Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) Ordinance 2007. It is a fully recognized university as per Sec. 2f of the UGC Act 1956.

Singhania University is situated at Pacheri Bari, Distt. Jhunjhunu (Rajasthan) on the Delhi-Narnaul Singhana – Pilani Road. It is about 160 kms. west of Delhi and about 165 kms. north of Jaipur. The University can be reached either by rail or by road. The nearest railway stations are Narnaul (19 kms.) and Chirawa (45 kms.)
Singhania University offers world-class infrastructure, highly qualified and dedicated faculties and excellent environment for academic and intellectual growth.

The Institute focuses on comprehensive growth of the students, working on their hearts and minds by addressing to their academic, cultural, physical and social needs in an environment of continuous interaction and growth, conducive for the enrichment of mind and body. The faculty is fully committed to impart quality education by investing all its skills and knowledge. The University endeavours not only to produce excellent academic results but also to produce excellent and successful professionals. Singhania University is top university in the list of universities of Rajasthan, located at Pacheri Bari Jhunjhunu.Rajasthan India. It offers all bachelor and master degree courses in Science and Technology, for more information call +91-1494513030, +91-9251604020 or +91-9416903103.

Who Should Opt For The Online Route?

If attending a university program has become tough for you due to a full-time job and other commitments then online universities can help you immensely. An online university degree offered by the online universities is as good and legitimate as compared to a traditional one. The good thing about online university degree is that you can organize your study on the basis of your schedule.

With online university degree, you decide your own timetable. Even better, it’s totally up to you where you want to study. In some cases, classroom environment can intimidate some students. These kinds of students prefer studying in their own room in peace rather than in the presence of thirty odd other students and teachers.

Getting Online University Degree

When you are sure in your mind that you want to go for an online university degree, it is quite important that you take a number of factors into consideration. To start with, make sure that the online university you have chosen is accredited. If that is not the case, your online university degree will be of no use. Find below name of few universities that are accredited to give online university degree.

• Southern Christian University
• University of Phoenix
• Walden University
• DeVry University
• Kaplan University

Before opting for any online university degree program, make sure that it matches your requirement. There are number of online universities that provide students with real-time instruction through World Wide Web. In other words, you can listen to a lecture in an online university degree program, as is the case with attending a conventional classroom lecture. Before enrolling in any online degree program, review the syllabus of the course.

Fees structure is also quite an important factor in the online university degree. Before enrolling, see how much money you are going to spend during the course, including university taxes and books. Most of the online universities provide books and course material for free. If the online university you have chosen is not offering you all this, it is recommended that you stay away from that particular university. You can ask previous students regarding the hidden taxes that university charges to their students.

Online University Degree Advantages:

Find below some of the advantages associated with online university degree:

·First and foremost, you can attend classes in online university degree program on the basis of your convenience.

·You can access all the study material of your course through the Internet. It also includes all the administrative aspects.

·As soon as you finish your assignments, you will get the degree. In an ideal scenario, you can get the online university degree in a matter of two or three years.

·You can get online bachelor degree quickly at online universities as compared to conventional bachelor degree program.

·Online university degree program offers your more flexibility as compared to conventional bachelor degree program.

·Online degrees offered by accredited online universities are recognized all around the world.

You might be concerned about affording an education through an accredited online college or University. engineering online universities online degrees from accredited universities online college universities bilkent university online academic . Even the basic college experience has been changed dramatically, favoring more elements of an accredited online university than ever before. True Any four year college or university that is accredited to grant an online bachelors degree may do so. Each accredited college and university listed provide a variety of online master’s degree and online MBA programs in many specialized areas. Rather than investigating “accreditted online college degrees,” look into the opportunities available through the nation’s largest accredited university. WGU is the only online accredited university and online college in the U.S.

Join thousands of students who attend class online and earn your accredited degree through Tsinghua University’s online mba degrees. Earning an accredited Tsinghua University graduate degree through their online MBA degrees will contribute to your success and give your career a boost. Earn your degree from an accredited online university. It is a common mistake to search for “online accredited degree programs” when seeking an accredited university.

Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIUô is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Click here to find out more. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Founded in 1993, JIU is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults.

CNU is a nationally accredited online distance learning university designed for technical and business professionals. an accredited online university is the fastest growing form of learning today, and its applications are spreading into even the most technical of fields. Perhaps the most important benefit of distance learning through an accredited online university is the ability to communicate and tap into Global business networks. Get your business career in high gear with independent, online study at this accredited university. Join thousands of students who attend class online and earn your accredited degree through Tsinghua Universitys online mba degrees.

Earning an accredited Tsinghua University graduate degree through their online MBA degrees will contribute to your success and give your career a boost. Each accredited college and university listed provide a variety of online master’s degree and online MBA programs in many specialized areas. The rising popularity of an accredited online university is not without its criticism and potential drawbacks. There is also some criticism about the ability to regulate an accredited online university, and fears about cheating to obtain degrees without earning them.

Find an accredited online school or university, and jump start your career today! When people start looking for more information about accredited online university, you’ll be in a position to meet their needs. Queries regarding accreditationBefore opting in for a regular/online university it is very important to check if the university is accredited or not. So make sure you check if the online university is accredited by a recognized body before opting for one. Get your IT career in high gear with independent, online study at this accredited university.

So you can safely end your search for an accredited online university here. It is a common mistake to search for “online accredited degree programs” when seeking an accredited university. Even worse, some schools use terms that give the appearance of being an accredited online university when, in fact, they are not. Founded in 1993, JIUô is the first regionally accredited online university providing quality education for busy adults. Click here to find out more.

Programs with real-world curriculum are taught by scholar/practitioners at Capella University, an accredited online university. If you are a busy working adult on a tight income, independent study at this highly accredited online university is for you! Even the basic college experience has been changed dramatically, favoring more elements of an accredited online university than ever before. An accredited online university increases the opportunities available to executives to realize their education-related goals. Rather than investigating “accreditted online college degrees,” look into the opportunities available through the nation’s largest accredited university.

Its long-term goal is to create an fully accredited online university. * Please note that accredited-online-university.com is not responsible for the validity or opinions expressed by any outside links. engineering online universities online degrees from accredited universities online college universities bilkent university online academic . Now you can understand why there’s a growing interest in accredited online university. http://www.accredited-university-online.com/

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Introduction

The Senate is the highest academic body in the university system with the Vice-Chancellor as its chairman. Its authority covers all academic matters although some, such as appointments, are shared with council. It is Senate that has the formal authority under the university’s charter and status to make academic policy. Therefore, for it to take meaningful decisions it has to create certain committees. Council is the governing body of the University and is the formal employer of all university staff. It is charged with the general control and superintendent of the Policy, Finance and Property of the University. University employees are required under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor to carry out Councils policies. To that extent the Vice-Chancellor may be seen as “Chief Executive”. He is supported by the Registrar who is responsible for the university’s academic and administrative supportive services.

The use of committees was entrenched in the Laws/Acts establishing Nigerian Universities as indicated in the University of Ibadan Act of 1962 which states that: “Anybody or persons established by the Act shall without prejudice of the generality, shall have power to appoint committees consisting of members of that body and subject to the provisions of sub-section(7) of section four of this Act to authorize committee established by it to exercise, on its behalf, such of its functions as it may determine”. In the management of higher institutions, committees play very important roles in the decision making process. This is because as democratic establishments, universities’ decisions on governance must reflect the opinion of a cross section of the staff if such decisions are to be accepted. This explains why many institutions in the country have established many committees to assist management in arriving at useful and meaningful decisions that can facilitate the proper management and growth of the university system of education.

Ede (2000), describes universities as international communities engaged in the daily business of the search for knowledge and truth. Ogunmodede (1981), states that authority of governance of Nigerian Universities is derived from an external source – The Visitor, who invariably is the president in the case of a Federal University and the Governor in the case of a State University. According to Daudu (1986), the management of such complex organization requires participation through the committee system because of the bureaucratic, collegial and political models that are applicable in them.

Nwachukwu {1988}, describes a committee as a device for achieving coordination of activities and sharing information among various departments and divisions of an organizations. He further states that committee decisions help to promote better coordination in an organization. Ikenwe (1998), highlighting the work of Foxworthy (1971), wrote that the primary motive of instituting the committee system in institutional governance has grown out of the motive concern for democratizing decision making in those institutions and a recognition of the need for more broadly based decision making as universities become more complex. This explains why many institutions in the country established many committees to assist its management in arriving at useful and meaningful decisions that can facilitate the proper management and growth of the university system of education.

In view of the importance of the committee system in university management, it is therefore necessary to investigate its impact on the effective and efficient management of the university system in Benue State of Nigeria.

Statement of the Problem

There have been frequent cries by some members of the university community that the committee system may not necessarily be the best method of effectively managing a university system. These staff members argue that the disadvantages of the committee system on university management appear to out weigh the advantages. Various segments of the staff have severally expressed their grievances, some violently and others peacefully over non implementation of committee decisions. These crises negate effective management of higher institutions. There is therefore the need to investigate this problem

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to investigate how effectively committees affect university management in Benue State of Nigeria. Specifically, the study is concerned with the level of staff participation in the various committees and their confidence and trust in these committees and their importance in the management of the university system.

Research Questions

The following questions were answered by the study:-

(i) Does the committee system improve decision making process in the universities?

(ii) Does the committee system lead to greater participation of members of staff in the university community?

(iii) Do decisions made by committees instill greater confidence in the university community?

(iv) Do committees provide effective advisory services to Vice- Chancellors?

(v) Do committees’ recommendations influence opinion of the university council and senate towards proper management of the institutions?

Hypotheses

The following hypotheses were formulated:-

(i) The committee system will not significantly lead to the participation of a higher number of staff in university management.

(ii) The committee system will not significantly improve decision making process in university management.

(iii) The committee system will not significantly instill greater confidence in the university.

(iv) The committee system will not significantly influence university management.

Methodology

The population of the study was made up of the staff members of the two universities in Benue State of Nigeria. The stratified random sampling technique was adopted for this study because of the large population involved. The population was therefore arranged into five sub-groups or strata. This helped to ease data collection and analyses. In effect, the study samples consist of 203 members of senior staff, 109 members bringing the total to 312 drawn from the study sample. The study used one structured questionnaire for the 312 respondents. The adopted Likert Four Point rating scale of 4, 3, 2, and 1, was used to analyze responses in the questionnaire.

Method of Data Analysis

The mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to verify results and arrive at certain conclusions. A mean of 2.50 was used as cut-off point of decision making for each item on the instrument. Any item with a mean of 2.50 and above was considered adequate and hence enhances the level of respondents on the use of committees in university governance. Any item with a mean of 2.50 and above was considered adequate and hence enhances the level of respondents on the use of committees in university governance. Any item with a mean of less than 2.50 was considered inadequate. The four hypotheses formulated for this study were tested at 0.05 level of significance using student t-test for each. Where the calculated value is greater than the table value of t at 0.05 level of significance, the null was not accepted. On the other hand, if the calculated value is less than the table value of t at 0.05 level of significance, the null hypotheses was accepted. After subjecting the responses to the above statistical methods and analyses, three out of the four null hypotheses were not accepted, while the fourth was accepted.

Hypotheses One

The committee system will not significantly lead to the participation of a large number of staff in university management.

Assumptions

N1 5

X1 15.25

S1 4.35

N2 6

X2 5.99

S2 2.80

df 6 Cal-t

cal.t Value 2.85 Table

table Value 2.45

Decision

Do not accept.

The result of the first hypothesis as shown above clearly indicates that the committee system encourages participation of a large number staff. Tahir (1991), agrees with this finding as he states that leadership must evolve styles that can ensure effective staff and student participation in decision making that affect them. Gwary (1993), also maintained that full participation is a process where each individual member of a decision making body has equal power to determine the outcome of the decision. This means that the use of participatory system of governance in the university system cannot be overemphasized. There must be full participation of individuals who are effective and efficient so as to help the growth of the committee system in university governance. It is then therefore worthy to mention that staff participation in the decision that affects their working lives is essential for effective management.

Hypotheses Two

The committee system will not significantly improve decision making process in university governance

Assumptions

N1 8

X1 24.62

S1 6.82

N2 7

X2 14.90

S2 6.20

df 13

Cal-tValue2.674

TableValue2.15

DecisionDo not accept.

In the table above, since the calculated t value is higher than the table value, we therefore do not accept the hypothesis. This finding reveals that the committee system is a vital tool for improving decision making process in university management. This finding is in line with Jeje (1983), who states that committees bring about group judgment on an issue, thereby protecting the university or chief executive from errors arising out of the decision of an individual.

Hypotheses Three

The committee system will not significantly instill confidence in the university system.

Assumptions

N1 9

X1 27.87

S1 7.62

N2 7

X2 15.28

S2 6.44

df 14

Cal-tValue 3.279

TableValue2.15

DecisionDo not accept

This finding reveals that there will exist trust and confidence if the committee decisions are faithfully implemented. All cadres of staff are of the opinion that committees would however tend to ignore the views of staff if they are in conflict with those of the university administration. Mehendiratta (1984), in his study on university administration in India and USA states that it would be advisable for the university system itself to device an adequate machinery to deal with grievances of students, teachers, subordinate staff and administrators and this machinery should be so devised that all persons concerned would have confidence in its impartiality and independence.

Hypothesis four

The committee system will not significantly influence university management.

Assumptions

N1 8

X1 24.38

S1 6.75

N2 8

X2 16.38

S2 7.41

df 14

Cal-t

Table

DecisionAccept.

The finding reveals that the committee system will not influence university management. This is because the respondents agree that committees do not provide effective advisory services to Vice-Chancellors, and that committee recommendations will not influence opinions of the university council and senate. What this result shows is that even though the university community believes that committees are vital tools for university governance, they are not confident that university administration will really implement the recommendations of committees. This also shows that there exist lack of trust between the university community and the university administration. It is pertinent to ask why a staff who is found worthy of promotion in the Departmental appointment and promotions committee be denied promotion by the council appraisal and promotions committee. Explanations would also be needed as to why a student who is found guilty of examination malpractice is rusticated by the College/Faculty examination malpractice committee however when the same case gets to senate, such a student is expelled. One wonders therefore why these committees are set up to look into these cases when decisions made by them are not implemented. Suffice it to say that because of administrative interest in these matters, decisions made by these committees are jettisoned. These actions negate the purpose of setting up these committees and also breed distrust in the system. Sifuna (1991), states that the tendency for Vice-Chancellors to monopolize all aspects of decision making has now been perfected in the creation of Vice-Chancellors ‘management boards’ whose powers are too wide and constantly erode those of the senate. Views or decisions of committees are ignored if they are in conflict with those of administration. He further states that although universities teach about democracy and are quite vocal about the need for popular participation in decision-making, universities’ administrative structures and key policy-making bodies are most undemocratic.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Universities the world over are established for the propagation, dissemination and the application of knowledge. The university system is made up of people with investigative and critical minds with the function of teaching, research and public service, dedicated to intellectual life and hence the need for a democratic system and consequently the introduction of the committee system of governance. The study has identified that staff of BSU and UAM are not as confident as they would like to be in the committee system. This is as a result of the non-implementation of committee recommendations in university governance. There is therefore the need for the university administration to effectively and efficiently implement committee recommendations so as to boost the confidence of staff in the system. University administration should further find a way to create conditions for trust to exist within the university community as there is a lot to gain in a trusting environment.

Tierney (1999), in his paper on Trust and Academic Governance opines that if individuals are to make far-reaching decisions they need to create the conditions for trust to exist. According to Longing (2002), institutional success at navigating the currents of higher education is the dependent on the effectiveness of governance structures and decision making processes. Still, governance and decision making as the subject of empirical research currently receives only moderate attention.

There is therefore the need for researchers to investigate more on how best to govern higher institutions to meet their desired goals without distrust. Universities must a evolve appropriate leadership styles and practices. Delegation and communication channels should be followed. Staff should be actively involved in decision making if they to be fulfilled and effective in following up decisions made. Participation will increase their level of out put. Recommendations made by committees should be accepted and implemented without delay so as to boost confidence in the system. There should be mandatory, introductory and refreshers courses/ seminars on the committee system for staff especially for junior staff members so as to understand what the committee system is all about as most of them do not know how the committee system operates.

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