EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS AND THE SAFEGUARDING OF NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: AN EMPIRICAL FOCUS ON SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITIES

Abstract

The growing incidence of insecurity, economic instability, and graduate unemployment in Nigeria has intensified concerns about the capacity of universities to contribute to national and economic security. As institutions responsible for human capital development, research, innovation, and value reorientation, universities play a critical role in promoting social stability and sustainable economic growth. This study examined the relationship between educational systems and the safeguarding of national and economic security in Nigerian universities, with particular emphasis on selected universities in Southeastern Nigeria, namely the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI), Abia State University (ABSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), and Imo State University (IMSU). The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population comprised academic staff, administrative staff, and final-year undergraduate students from the selected universities, while a sample of 600 respondents was drawn using stratified random sampling techniques. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Educational Systems, National Security and Economic Security Questionnaire (ESNSEQ). The instrument was validated by experts and yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.89 using Cronbach's Alpha. Data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed a significant positive relationship between educational system effectiveness and national security (r = 0.742, p < 0.05), as well as between educational system effectiveness and economic security (r = 0.781, p < 0.05). The study concluded that effective educational systems enhance civic responsibility, social cohesion, entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development, thereby strengthening national and economic security. It recommended increased funding, curriculum reforms, and strengthened entrepreneurship education in Nigerian universities.