Governance of Ethiopia Public Universities in Southern Region: Professional & Administrative Accountability Perspective

Abstract

This inquiry aimed to examine the practices of governance with particular domains of professional and administrative accountability in South Nation Nationalities Region public universities. Mixed research design (Quantitative dominant Qualitative) was instrumental. Proportional Stratified random sampling, and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sample universities and respondents (n=370. One way ANOVA employed to examine the variations between and within groups by considering its assumptions. Besides, Binary regression was applied to test overall model evaluation and goodness-of-fit. Principal component analysis (PCA) utilized as a data reduction technique among the explanatory variables. Independent t-test also used to compare differences between separate groups and to determine a significant difference in scores between and within groups. The study reveals, the logistic regression model was statistically significant, at Wald test: χ 2 = 25.350, p <.001. The model explained 36.0% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variation in accountability practices and correctly classified 68.30 % of cases. Hosmer-Lemeshow test points out the goodness of fit of the model with chi-square value of 8.036 and with a P>0.05, which provides significant at the 5 % level, the model suggesting, does not conform to the data set as alternative assumption (H1). We can conclude that system of accountability from both professional and administrative accountability perspective in the sampled public universities were on an infant stage and not promising. The study also forwarded policy options will aid to insure that the HE sector in the sampled region attains effective professional and administrative accountability, and responsiveness to the society and market demands.