Abstract
In spite of the astronomical growth of universities in Nigeria, both Federal and State Government have not been able to contend with the surging demand for university education and employment. Universities in recent times, in response to societal developments are subscribing to the pressure of ethnicity where certain issues like the appointment of Vice Chancellor (VC) which was predicated on vital requirements such as experience, qualification, scholarship, integrity among others are sacrificed under the pressure from various states agitating for the representation of their sons and daughters in these exalted positions. This study seeks to perceive ways of reducing the impact of ethnicity in the management of universities in Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 14,347 staff in Federal and State universities in North Central Nigeria. A sample of 1,435 was drawn through stratified proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaire and interviews. The questionnaire was structured and designed on a 4-point scale. Out of 1,435 questionnaire that were distributed, 1,035 were returned. Data was analyzed using mean scores, standard deviations. The obvious implications of this are the continuous decline of the desired standards universities education and continuous ethnic conflict, marginalization and alienation of minority group of students and workers. It was recommended that Government should implement the federal character principle at both Federal and State universities. Universities in addition to achieving excellence should encourage universality out of which it derives her name, foster care, respect, and integrity, promote equity and justice as well as provide fertile ground for the Federal Character Principle and other national policies.