Administrative Challenges of Academic Heads of Department in Tertiary Institutions in Cross River State

This study examined the Administrative Challenges of Academic Heads of Department in Universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. The study also sought to identify the strategies adopted by Heads of Departments to overcome the challenges. A descriptive survey design was utilized for the study. Four research questions guided the study. Data were collected from a sample of 129 HODs from University of Calabar (102) and Cross River University of Technology (27) using a questionnaire developed by the researchers and titled “Administrative Challenges of Academic Heads of Department Questionnaires (ACAHDQ). Data collected were analyzed with the aid of descriptive statistics (frequency and simple percentages). The findings revealed that the major challenges faced by HODs by ranking were funding 129 (100%), meeting of deadlines 126 (98%), delayed examination result 120 (93%), excess workload 118 (91.4%). Strategies used by them to combat these challenges as identified in the study included alternative sources of funding, setting deadlines early for submission of result by lecturers, working extra hours to cope with work load (schedule), extra incentives, improvisation etc. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that letters of appointment should be given to HODs with detailed specification of roles and responsibilities. Training retreat on professional management skills should be organized for them immediately they are appointed.