THE IMPACT OF AE FUNAI ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF IKWO LGA (2013-2023)
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- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 3000
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Background of the study
Institutions of higher education remain priceless assets in human capital development. It is a sine quo non to attaining achieving national economic development. Today, there is global interest in measuring impact of tertiary institutions on host communities using cultural, political and socio- economic indicators. Nigeria is a multicultural state with over 250 ethnic groups and several tertiary institutions whose roles and responsibilities transcend the realm of education (Fatoki, 2017; Ehinmowo and Eludoyin, 2010). This is because research activities carried out in tertiary institutions are community-oriented as they are conducted in a manner that the development of host communities is felt and practiced by all stakeholders.
Globally, community transformation is a difficult but an indispensable task. Ideally, governments are concerned with economic and social needs of its citizens; and fulfilling this obligation requires institutions with educated, skilled and competent people. Apparently, education is a basic tool for community transformation; hence, with the rising trend of globalization, community transformation has become part of tertiary institutions (Ali, 2010 and Isola, 2017). Tertiary institutions have been considered as organizations for social transformation, therefore, their location in a community has been acknowledged as an immense significance to the overall development of that area. Location impact explains the influence of a new thought and initiative (that is, the environment), this new initiative or concept could be in form of tertiary institution. Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) is a federal university located in Ndufu Alike, a town within Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Established in 2011, the university is named after Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Nigeria's first elected Vice President and a prominent advocate for education (Odiba, 2004). AE-FUNAI's mission is to provide quality higher education and foster research and innovation in various fields. Since its establishment, AE-FUNAI has grown in both size and reputation, offering a variety of academic programs and attracting students and staff from across Nigeria and beyond. The university's presence in Ikwo LGA has brought numerous opportunities for the local community, including access to higher education and potential economic development.
The development of higher education institutions like AE-FUNAI often has a significant impact on the surrounding community. Universities can serve as catalysts for economic growth by providing employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and attracting investment. Additionally, universities can contribute to the development of infrastructure and public services, enhancing the quality of life for local residents (Ohme, 2003). However, the extent of AE-FUNAI's impact on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA remains underexplored. While the university's presence is likely to have brought positive changes, such as increased educational opportunities and economic activity, there may also be challenges and unintended consequences that need to be addressed. This study aims to assess the impact of AE-FUNAI on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA. By examining the university's influence on economic activities, education, infrastructure, and social dynamics, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how AE-FUNAI has shaped the local community(Ohme, 2003). The findings will be valuable for policymakers, community leaders, and the university itself in making informed decisions to optimize the benefits of the university's presence while addressing any challenges that may arise. Therefore, the study assess the impact of AE FUNAI on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA (2013-2023).
1.2 Statement of the problem
The Federal Republic of Nigeria (2004) asserts in her national policy on education that “education is the instrument par excellence for effecting national development”. By implication, at any point in time, education must respond to the need of national development. Tertiary institutions are major platforms that educate the people, rejuvenate research, and provide community services and engagement to stimulate economic and cultural well-being of the society (Eze, 2011). Studies acknowledged that communities that have tertiary institutions are extraordinary places and therefore seen as a hub for economic boost, enhancement of cultural and political activities, integration of various groups’ influxes into the communities and promotes cohesion between them and their host communities (Eze, 2011 and O’Flaherty, 2005). According to Mimar (2012) resource budgeted for tertiary institutions are not expenditure but a lucrative venture. Consequently, developed countries engage well-qualified labour force into the institutions to transform the World and upgrade the living standards of citizens vis-a-vis their political leverage. On the contrary, Johnson (1994) and Ohme, (2003) argue that the actual operations of higher institutions and source of revenue are locally based with insignificant impact on the locals. Studies reveal that communities that host public institutions are increasingly enlightened on their rights to demand corporate entities like the tertiary institutions to meet their social responsibilities such as concessions in employment, admission of students, contracts, development of their communities either financially or through donations of manpower and technical know-how, provision of extra mural education programs and the development of community infrastructure among others (Ohme, 2003). The establishment of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) presents an opportunity for significant socio-economic development in the region. However, the exact impact of the university's presence on the local community's development is not clearly understood. There is a need to explore the various ways in which the university has influenced, both positively and negatively, the economic activities, employment opportunities, education levels, infrastructure, and social dynamics of the Ikwo LGA (Ohme, 2003). This study aims to examine the scope of AE-FUNAI's contributions to local growth and the challenges it presents, providing a comprehensive assessment of its impact on the socio-economic landscape of Ikwo LGA. Understanding this impact is essential for optimizing the university’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development in the region. Hence, the study assess depression and learning abilities among undergraduate of Imo State University Owerri.
1.3 Objective of the study
Generally, the study assess the impact of AE FUNAI on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA (2013-2023). The specific objectives is as follows
- To assess the impact of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) on the economic development of Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA)
- To evaluate how AE-FUNAI has influenced the educational attainment and skill development of the local population in Ikwo LGA.
- To investigate the university’s impact on infrastructure development in Ikwo LGA.
1.4 Research Questions
The following questions have been prepared for the following
- What is the impact of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) on the economic development of Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA)?
- Has AE-FUNAI influenced the educational attainment and skill development of the local population in Ikwo LGA?
- What is the university’s impact on infrastructure development in Ikwo LGA?
1.5 Research hypotheses
The hypotheses have been formulated to further guide the study
H0: AE FUNAI has not had an impact on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA (2013-2023)
Ha: AE FUNAI have had an impact on the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA (2013-2023)
1.6 Significance of the study
The findings of the study will be significant to the following
For the university students, the findings of the study will open their eyes to the activities of the universities and the communities around them in order to live and study amicably while contributing their quota to community development.
- The findings of the study will help the lecturers in the universities to prepare a soft landing for the universities and their host communities through their research and teaching activities.
- On the other hand, the administrators of universities in Nigeria will be guided by the findings of this study on how to make good policies and collaborate with the host communities for amicable co-existence and development.
- The host-communities of the universities in Nigeria will utilize the findings of this study to lend helpings hands to the institutions and impact on their development. This is because the presence of these universities will boost their all-round development; so they need to help them function well.
- Finally, the society in general will immensely benefit from the findings of this study because, it will provide a model for mutual interdependence and co-existence for real sustainable development of our countryNigeria.
1.7 Scope of the study
The study focuses on the impact of AE FUNAI on the socio-economic development of ikwo LGA (2013-2023). Hence, the study will assess the impact of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) on the economic development of Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA), evaluate how AE-FUNAI has influenced the educational attainment and skill development of the local population in Ikwo LGA and investigate the university’s impact on infrastructure development in Ikwo LGA. Therefore, the study is delimited to Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Justification of the study
The presence of Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI) in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) offers the potential for substantial socio-economic transformation in the region. However, the full extent of the university's impact on the local community has not been systematically assessed. Comprehensive knowledge of the university's effects on Ikwo LGA will provide valuable insights for local and regional policymakers. This information can guide future decisions to maximize the benefits and mitigate any challenges associated with the university's presence. By identifying how AE-FUNAI influences the local economy, infrastructure, education, and social dynamics, the study can help inform strategies to strengthen community development initiatives and enhance the quality of life for residents. The study will offer a clear perspective on the relationship between the university and the local community. This understanding can foster stronger collaboration and support between AE-FUNAI and Ikwo LGA residents, promoting mutual growth and development. Assessing the university's impact provides a foundation for future planning efforts, including the expansion of university services and facilities. Such planning can be aligned with community needs and expectations, leading to sustainable progress. This study will add to the existing body of research on the impact of higher education institutions on local communities, particularly in Nigeria. It can serve as a reference for other regions looking to understand the effects of university presence on local development. By conducting this study, a clearer understanding of the university's role in the socio-economic development of Ikwo LGA can be achieved, ultimately leading to more strategic decisions and improved outcomes for both the university and the local community.
1.10 Definition of terms
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike (AE-FUNAI): A federal university located in Ndufu Alike, a town within Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. It was established to provide quality higher education and foster research and innovation.
Socio-Economic Development: The process of social and economic growth and change in a community, which includes improvements in living standards, employment opportunities, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other aspects of community well-being.
Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA): An administrative division within Ebonyi State, Nigeria, where the university is located. It encompasses several towns and villages, and its residents are affected by the presence of AE-FUNAI.
Economic Impact: The effect of the university on the economic activities of Ikwo LGA, including changes in employment rates, business growth, local income, and other economic indicators.
Educational Attainment: The level of education achieved by the residents of Ikwo LGA, including access to higher education and skill development opportunities provided by AE-FUNAI.
Infrastructure Development: The construction and improvement of public facilities such as roads, utilities, transportation, and housing in Ikwo LGA, potentially influenced by the presence of AE-FUNAI.
Social Dynamics: The changes in relationships, interactions, and cultural activities within Ikwo LGA as a result of AE-FUNAI's presence. This includes shifts in community relations, social activities, and overall quality of life.
Community Relations: The relationship and interaction between AE-FUNAI and the residents of Ikwo LGA. This includes cooperation, collaboration, and mutual support for the betterment of the region.
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