Managing the Performance of Nigerian Universities For Sustainable Development Using Data Envelopment Analysis

This paper examines Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) as a tool for managing performance of Nigerian universities. It posits that performance assessment of the universities through periodic accreditation exercise is proving inadequate to meet developmental challenges at national and global levels.The universities could be able to play their roles effectively if they identify and strive towards improving socio-economic and political needs of the country. University education should also prepare its recipients for present and future needs. These aspirations could be actualized through the use of DEA which is capable of measuring and controlling performance of members of an organization. It is also capable of monitoring inputs, processes and outputs in such university programmes as teaching, research and community services. Its use is therefore recommended for Nigerian universities in order to be able to attain sustainable development.