Assessing The Challenges In Ownership And Funding Practices Of University Education In Cross River State, Nigeria

This study explored the challenges in ownership and funding practices of university education in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was adopted in conducting the study. Three research questions were answered through the data collected from all the Heads of Department in the sampled Universities in Cross River State including University of Calabar (UNICAL) and Cross River State University (CRSU), Havilla University, Nde-Ikom and Arthur Javis University Akpabuyo. The population comprised 228 Heads of Department in the study area. The census approach was adopted in drawing the population because they are manageable. A 20-item validated questionnaire titled: Challenges in Ownership and Funding Practices of University Education Questionnaire (COFPUEQ) was employed for data collection. The instrument was tested for reliability using Cronbach Alpha at a statistical index .86 which was adjudged good enough for data collection. Data collected were analyzed through mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that the key challenges in ownership and funding practices of universities in the study area include but not limited to insufficient funding, complex bureaucratic processes, inadequate infrastructure, difficulty in attracting and retaining faculty. It was concluded that by examining these challenges and proposing potential strategies for sustainable funding, the study recommends the importance of diversifying funding sources and engaging in public-private partnerships to enhance the financial sustainability of universities in the State.