Rivers State, Nigeria — Effective time resource management significantly improves school performance and institutional development in universities, according to a 2026 study by Gladys Ejimole Aleru and Maxwell Chidiebere Ejikem from Rivers State University, Nigeria. Published in the International Journal of Finance and Business Management (IJFBM), the research shows that universities that apply structured time-based planning, clear task prioritization, and goal-oriented scheduling achieve better academic outcomes and stronger organizational performance.
The findings are important for higher education systems facing growing pressure to improve quality, efficiency, and accountability with limited resources. As universities worldwide deal with heavier administrative workloads, tighter academic calendars, and increasing performance benchmarks, the study highlights time management as a practical and low-cost lever for institutional improvement.
Why Time Management Has Become a Critical Issue
Universities play a central role in preparing skilled graduates, advancing research, and supporting national development. However, many tertiary institutions struggle with inefficient use of time. Common problems include irregular lecture schedules, delayed examination results, unproductive meetings, and slow administrative processes.
According to the authors, these issues weaken academic performance, reduce staff productivity, and negatively affect student satisfaction. The study frames time not simply as a personal skill, but as an institutional resource that must be planned, coordinated, and evaluated like funding or human capital.
In the context of expanding enrollment, digital transformation, and stricter quality assurance standards, universities that fail to manage time effectively risk falling behind in performance and credibility.
How the Research Was Conducted
The study used a descriptive survey design involving 272 principal officers from public and private tertiary institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. The respondents included senior academic and administrative leaders responsible for institutional planning and operations.
Data were collected through a structured questionnaire that assessed three core components of time resource management:
- Time-based planning
- Task prioritization
- Goal setting
The responses were analyzed to determine how strongly each component influenced school improvement indicators such as academic performance, administrative efficiency, and institutional development. The analysis also compared responses from public and private institutions to identify any meaningful differences.
Key Findings from the Study
The research reveals a clear and consistent pattern: effective time management strongly supports school improvement in tertiary institutions.
Key findings include:
- Time-based planning helps university administrators set clear timelines, coordinate activities, and implement improvement programs more effectively.
- Task prioritization increases productivity by enabling staff to focus first on important and urgent responsibilities, reducing wasted effort and meeting delays.
- Goal setting provides direction, motivation, and measurable benchmarks for evaluating progress in institutional development.
Both public and private institutions reported a high level of influence of these time management strategies on school improvement. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two sectors, indicating that time management challenges and benefits are shared across institutional types.
Time as a Strategic Institutional Resource
A central insight of the study is the repositioning of time as a strategic resource. Aleru and Ejikem emphasize that universities that plan and control time effectively are better equipped to achieve institutional goals, even when financial and human resources are constrained.
The authors explain that structured planning encourages proactive decision-making, while clear priorities reduce operational confusion. Goal setting aligns individual effort with institutional objectives and strengthens accountability across departments.
According to the researchers, universities that manage time poorly experience inefficiency, stress among staff, missed deadlines, and slower progress toward academic and development targets.
Implications for Higher Education Policy and Practice
The study carries important implications for university leaders, education managers, and policymakers. Rather than relying solely on increased funding, institutions can improve performance by strengthening internal time management practices.
For university administrators, the findings support:
- Clear academic calendars and realistic implementation timelines
- Priority-based task allocation for staff and management
- Goal-driven planning linked to performance evaluation
- Reduced time wastage in meetings and administrative procedures
For policymakers and quality assurance agencies, the research provides evidence that time management should be considered a core component of institutional effectiveness and leadership capacity in higher education.
Academic Insight from the Authors
According to Gladys Ejimole Aleru of Rivers State University, school improvement depends heavily on how administrators plan and control time. She explains that when time-based planning, task prioritization, and goal setting are applied consistently, institutions are better positioned to deliver quality education and sustain long-term development.
Her co-author, Maxwell Chidiebere Ejikem, adds that effective use of time allows universities to align daily operations with strategic goals, improving outcomes without placing additional strain on already limited resources.
Author Profiles
Gladys Ejimole Aleru
Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Rivers State University, Nigeria
Field of expertise: Educational management, school administration, institutional improvement
Maxwell Chidiebere Ejikem
Academic Researcher, Rivers State University, Nigeria
Field of expertise: Education management, organizational performance, policy studies
Source
Journal Article: Influence of Time Resource Management on School Improvement in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State
Journal: International Journal of Finance and Business Management (IJFBM)
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijfbm.v4i1.181
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