Corporate Social Responsibility in Higher Education Institutions in the Development of Communities and Society in Nigeria

The study investigated the roles being played by higher education institutions in the development of the communities and the society at large in Nigeria. Some selected Federal, States and Private Universities that have drawn so much benefit from the environment were studied. Literature revealed that higher institutions in Nigeria are endemic with corrupt practices, tribal and ethnic sentiments and individual academic pursuits of goals rather than empowering the society with their research findings, teaching and community services. Some variables used included land acquisition, labour work-force, and annual financial votes from government purse. Model and theories related to corporate social responsibility were employed. Findings revealed that the development ascribed to the communities and society is hardly traced to the research findings of the institutions, and only few people are aware of the relevance of the institutions in terms of social development contributions. It was concluded that community services, research findings and teaching of the higher institutions should impart positively on the environment, people and the society. It was recommended that the annual financial votes being given to institutions should be judiciously used to ensure that the researches undertaken fit into what the society desires. Also the academics are offered grants and encouragement to pursue research findings that are desired by the society. Moreover, governments and all operators of University education are encouraged to link up with the communities and societies, identifying their needs and wants and ensuring delivery of the services positively.