Higher Education and Human Capital Development in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Higher Education in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria seems not to produce the required manpower for the industrial sector of the economy. This study therefore seeks to examine the relationship between higher education and human capital development in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study consisted of human resource personnel of major oil companies and commercial banks in the region. This stood at 656. The sample of the study stood at 460, representing 70% of the population. The stratified random sampling technique was used in drawing the sample. Two null hypotheses were developed and tested at 0.05 level of significance, using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis. A structured instrument, Higher Education and Human Capital Development (HEHCD), was developed for the study. The instrument comprised 3 sections and 15 items, five in each section. The results indicated no significant relationship between higher education and manpower requirements and productivity of industries in the Niger Delta region. It was concluded that higher education in the Niger Delta fails to meet the manpower requirements of industries in the region. Besides, it does not contribute significantly to industrial productivity in the region. It was recommended among other things that universities in the Niger Delta Region should collaborate with industries operating in the area for their manpower needs. Keywords - Higher Education Management, Higher Education, Human Capital Development, Correlational Research Design, Niger Delta Region, Nigeria, Africa.