ETHICAL AND VALUES EDUCATION RE-ENGINEERING AMONG HIGHER EDUCATION LEADERSHIP AND GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Ethical leadership in higher education is essential for institutional credibility, academic integrity, and global competitiveness. However, Nigerian higher education institutions (HEIs) face significant ethical challenges, including corruption, favoritism, academic dishonesty, and weak governance structures, which undermine their effectiveness. This paper explores the role of ethics and values education in re-engineering leadership within Nigerian HEIs to foster accountability, transparency, and excellence. Drawing insights from global best practices, particularly from countries such as Finland, the United Kingdom, and South Africa, the paper highlights the impact of ethical policies on improving institutional efficiency, research output, and international collaboration. The paper emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms, including curriculum integration of ethics education, leadership training programs, and stronger regulatory frameworks. It argues that government agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC) and anti-corruption bodies must play a more active role in enforcing ethical compliance. Additionally, the establishments of independent ethics committees within HEIs can help monitor ethical conduct and address governance failures. The paper further discusses the importance of international benchmarking to align Nigerian HEIs with global ethical standards, ensuring their competitiveness in academic and research engagements. By addressing ethical lapses in higher education leadership, Nigeria can enhance the credibility of its institutions, improve graduate employability, and strengthen global academic partnerships. This paper therefore provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, university administrators, and stakeholders committed to promoting ethical governance in Nigeria’s higher education sector.