MANAGEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION: A PATHWAY TO HOLISTIC EMPOWERMENT IN EDO STATE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This study examined the critical role of effective management in higher education institutions within Edo State 
and its impact on holistic empowerment and sustainable development. By exploring management practices, the 
study identifies strategies that foster academic excellence, personal development, and societal contribution. The 
research, guided by key questions on the impact of higher education management and challenges faced to achieve 
sustainable development, adopts a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative and qualitative data from
stakeholders—students, educators, and administrators—reveal that effective management significantly enhances 
holistic empowerment. However, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and
limited funding persist. It was suggested that to addressfunding deficiencies, it is essential to increase investment 
in higher education and that institutions should adopt policies promoting participatory governance and 
stakeholder engagement to ensure that resources are used effectively and that the institutions can adapt to 
changing educational demands.