ABSTRACT
The study examined the ''impact of funding on the provision and management of student welfare services in Colleges of Legal and Islamic Studies in Nigeria.'' The study becomes imperative in view of the fact that education consumers and government have always been concerned about funding of education. This study was specifically interested in finding out how funding is important in the provision and management of students' welfare services in Colleges of Legal Studies in Nigeria. Seven (7) objectives, Seven (7) basic assumptions, Seven (7) research questions and Seven (7) hypotheses were postulated to find out the opinions of the five groups of respondents. The researcher reviewed relevant literature to establish the theoretical base of the study. The descriptive and survey method was adopted for investigations, identification and data collection. The total number of sample for the study was four thousand, one hundred and sixteen (4,116) made up thirty-six (36) principal officials, two hundred and forty (240) states ministries of education, sixty (60) Deans of Schools, one hundred and eighty (180) Heads of Departments and three thousand six hundred (3,600) Students. Through random sampling technique, two (2) states each were selected from the six geo-political zones of Nigeria. A structured questionnaire comprising of Seventy (70) close ended items was the instrument used. The scores were ranked using a 5 point Likert scale. The questionnaire as instrument was vetted by the supervisors and other experts in Educational Administration and Educational Statistics Section and subjected to a pilot study in Lagos and River State respectfully. The analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test were used to determine the extent of significant difference in the opinions of the respondent. The findings of the research revealed that inadequacy of funds and mis-management contributed to the poor provision of students' welfare services in Colleges of Legal and Islamic Studies in Nigeria in terms of health services, accommodation services, security services, student common room services, transportation services, counseling services and sporting services. Recommendations were made for provision of adequate funds to all Colleges of Legal and Islamic Studies in Nigeria such as; Allocation of funds should be steadily increased by the state government to enhance effective funding and management of these services. Finally, suggestions were also made for further research into the areas of relevant curriculum, assessment or evaluation of other students' welfare services in Colleges of Legal and Islamic Studies in Nigeria.