IMPACT OF CHURCH ADMINISTRATION ON EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF CHURCH-SPONSORED SCHOOLS (A Case Study of Covenant University, Ota)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Education aims to produce sensible, responsible and well-rounded people who contribute to their own growth and to the development of society. Around the world it is regarded as the foundation of human and societal progress, and the United Nations stresses that every child should be educated. African countries, Nigeria included, continue to pursue this goal despite many challenges. Nigeria recognised the value of education early and has offered free education in parts of the country for a long time. Under the old regional system, the Western Region led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo ran a free education programme, and some states still do so today.

Church involvement in education has shaped the Nigerian school system. Western education was first brought to Nigeria by Christian missionaries, and the church and education have developed side by side since then (Uche & Udogu, n.d.). Mission schools placed strong emphasis on academic excellence and character formation, and the education they offered is described as having been of higher quality than what followed the government takeover of schools in 1970 (Uche & Udogu, n.d.). That takeover was opposed by the churches, which have continued to ask for the return of their schools (Nwachukwu, 2006). Comparative research has also examined mission schools before and after the takeover (Sambo, 1992). As a result, some state governments have returned mission schools to their original owners, and churches have gone on to establish new schools at all levels (Uche & Udogu, n.d.). Church-sponsored schools are generally associated with moral discipline, religious values and academic seriousness.

Not all scholars view this development positively. One study of faith-based schools in south-western Nigeria argues that many have drifted from their original evangelistic purpose and now operate largely as business ventures. It reports that Pentecostal-owned schools show a stronger entrepreneurial orientation than mainline mission schools, particularly in the fees they charge (Ajibade, 2023).

Nigeria has federal, state and private universities. The University of Ibadan, the first, was established in 1948 under colonial administration. Covenant University is a private, church-owned institution in Ota, Ogun State, founded in 2002 and owned by the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners' Chapel), with Bishop David Oyedepo as its founder (Nairametrics, 2025). This study examines how church administration affects the effective management of church-sponsored schools, using Covenant University as a case.

Many people believe that church leaders establish schools to help raise morally upright young people who will live well and lead society responsibly. Other expected benefits include wider access to admission, fairer selection of students and staff, and reasonable fees.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Federal, state and private institutions in Nigeria share several problems. These include weak moral and spiritual foundations, poor funding, inadequate staff and facilities, favouritism in admissions and staff recruitment, poor living and working conditions, low wages, limited opportunities for further study, and a drift away from the standards of the early missionary schools. Some church-owned schools have outperformed certain government schools, which has increased public interest in them. However, concerns remain about commercialisation in some faith-based schools (Ajibade, 2023). The researcher therefore examines how church administration affects the effective management of church-sponsored schools.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To determine how widespread church-sponsored schools are in Nigeria.
2. To examine the impact of church administration on the effective management of church-sponsored schools.
3. To examine the administrative performance of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How widespread are church-sponsored schools in Nigeria?
2. What is the impact of church administration on the effective management of church-sponsored schools?
3. How well do church-sponsored schools perform administratively in Nigeria?

1.5 Hypotheses

H₀: Church administration has no significant impact on the effective management of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria.
H₁: Church administration has a significant impact on the effective management of church-sponsored schools in Nigeria.

1.6 Significance of the Study

1. The findings will inform education policy makers about the management strengths shown by church administration through the performance of church-sponsored schools.
2. The study will add to the literature on church-school management and provide empirical evidence for future research in the area.

1.7 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study is limited to Covenant University, Ota, and covers the impact of church administration on the effective management of church-sponsored schools.

Limitations:

• Financial constraint: Limited funds may restrict access to materials and data collection (internet, questionnaires and interviews).
• Time constraint: The researcher is carrying out the study alongside other academic work, which limits the time available.

REFERENCES

Ajibade, M. O. (2023). Of evangelism or merchandise? The role of selected Christian faith-based schools in Nigerian education. https://journals.flvc.org/ysr/article/view/134094

Nairametrics. (2025, June 7). Owners and promoters of the 10 most expensive private universities in Nigeria. https://nairametrics.com/2025/06/07/owners-and-promoters-of-the-10-most-expensive-private-universities-in-nigeria/

Nwachukwu, N. (2006). The aims, objectives, expectations and outcomes of Catholic schools in Imo State, Nigeria [Doctoral thesis, Trinity College Dublin]. https://edepositireland.ie/handle/2262/86540

Sambo, J. B. (1992). A comparative study and analysis of voluntary post-primary institutions in Adamawa and Taraba States before and after the government take-over Ahmadu Bello University]. https://kubanni.abu.edu.ng/items/85d669e7-8e0f-42db-9c71-585dafbc8439

Uche, O. C., & Udogu, P. A. (n.d.). The role of the church in promoting quality education in Nigeria. https://www.nigerianjournalsonline.com/index.php/NJAS/article/view/2544