10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

This study explored funding models and the effectiveness of support services in public universities in Kenya and Nigeria using a qualitative research approach. The study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of how funding structures influence the delivery, accessibility, and quality of institutional support services in selected public universities across both countries. The research was grounded in the need to examine contextual realities that shape financial management and service provision in higher education institutions. The study adopted a multiple case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 35 key stakeholders, including university administrators, heads of support service units, bursars, directors of academic planning, and student affairs officers. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted with postgraduate and undergraduate students to capture their lived experiences of institutional support services. Purposive sampling was used to select participants with relevant knowledge and experience. Data were analysed thematically using an inductive approach, allowing patterns, meanings, and interpretations to emerge from participants’ responses. Findings revealed that funding models in both Kenyan and Nigerian public universities are predominantly government-dependent, with limited diversification of revenue sources. Participants reported that this heavy reliance on government subventions often results in delayed fund disbursement, inadequate resource allocation, and restricted autonomy in financial decision-making. These challenges were found to negatively affect the provision of key support services such as ICT infrastructure, library resources, student counselling, accommodation, and academic advisory services. The study further found that universities with more flexible or diversified funding arrangements tended to provide relatively better support services, although such cases were limited. Participants emphasized that inefficiencies in funding structures directly influence service quality, staff motivation, and student satisfaction. Students particularly expressed concerns about inadequate access to learning resources and inconsistent administrative support. The study concluded that the effectiveness of support services in public universities in Kenya and Nigeria is closely linked to the nature and sustainability of funding models. It recommended the need for improved financial autonomy, enhanced accountability mechanisms, and diversification of funding sources through partnerships and internally generated revenue. The study contributes to qualitative insights on higher education financing and institutional support systems in African universities.