Publication Details
Abstract
This study investigates the strategic planning mechanisms for quality assurance at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), identifying the core challenges and best practices that define its current academic standing. Adopting a descriptive survey research design, the study sampled 200 academic and administrative staff across various faculties using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were gathered through a validated 40-item questionnaire titled "Quality Assurance Strategic Planning Questionnaire (QASPQ)." Analysis was conducted using mean scores and standard deviations. The findings indicate that while NSUK has institutionalized rigorous quality assurance systems—leading to its 2025 ranking as Nigeria's best university for Quality Education (SDG 4)—it faces significant hurdles. These include chronic underfunding from the state government, a burgeoning student population that stretches infrastructural capacity, and a high staff-student ratio in critical departments. Best practices identified include the university’s successful e-governance implementation, strategic international alliances, and a robust PhD monitoring framework. The study concludes that strategic planning is vital for navigating the complexities of state-owned higher education and recommends the diversification of funding and intensified investment in digital infrastructure to sustain global competitiveness.