Leadership and Institution-Building in Federal University Lafia, 2011-2015: An Exposé

Abstract

This paper examines the nexus between leadership and institution-building in Federal University Lafia within the period of 2011 to 2015. By means of qualitative descriptive analysis of primary and secondary data, predicated on the theory of historical institutionalism, the paper posits that the leadership of Federal University Lafia, within the period under reference, privileged self-preservation and stability over concerns for organisational resilience, transformation and sustainability. The paper argues that this leadership tendency was principally motivated by self-regarding considerations, which negated the prospect of sustainable institution-building. To arrest the trend, the paper makes a case for a radical departure from the ‘garrison-command’ system of leadership to a collegial system based on peer consultation and colleagueship, which is the hallmark of University administration globally.