Title: Resource Mobilisation, Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Competitiveness of State-owned Universities in Delta State
Authors: Dr. (Mrs.) Asuzu Lois Adamma
Volume: 10
Issue: 7
Pages: 115-121
Publication Date: 2026/07/28
Abstract:
The study investigated resource mobilisation and stakeholder engagement as predictors of institutional competitiveness across state-owned universities in Delta State. The study utilised a correlational survey research design. The population consisted 1,421 academic and senior administrative staff of Delta State University, Abraka; Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba; and University of Delta, Agbor. A multistage sampling technique was utilised to choose a sample of 420 respondents. 403 correctly filled questionnaires were recovered and used for analysis. Data were obtained using the Resource Mobilisation, Stakeholder Engagement and Institutional Competitiveness Questionnaire (RMSEICQ) which was validated by experts and has an overall Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient of 0.88. Data were examined using simple and multiple regression analyses at the 0.05 level of significance. The results indicate that resource mobilisation was a strong predictor of institutional competitiveness. Stakeholder participation was also a strong predictor of institutional competitiveness. Moreover, the combined effect of resource mobilisation and stakeholder engagement was a strong predictor of institutional competitiveness, explaining a considerable amount of the difference in institutional competitiveness across the universities analysed. Effective resource mobilisation and active stakeholder engagement are key drivers of institutional competitiveness in state-owned universities, the study found. Among others, it was proposed that university management should increase resource diversification methods, encourage inclusive stakeholder participation, establish strategic partnerships and execute policies that boost institutional sustainability and competitiveness.