Strategic Planning and Institutional Performance in Polytechnics in Kano State

This study examines the relationship between strategic planning practices and institutional performance in polytechnics in Kano State, North West Nigeria. Strategic planning has gained increasing prominence in the management of tertiary educational institutions as a mechanism for aligning resources, vision, and operational activities toward measurable outcomes. Polytechnics, as key providers of technical and vocational education, face particular performance pressures related to graduate employability, accreditation standards, and industry relevance. The study adopts a descriptive survey design and samples 180 academic and administrative staff from two polytechnics in Kano State using stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire covering strategic planning dimensions and institutional performance indicators is administered, and data are analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, and regression analysis. The study draws on the Balanced Scorecard Framework of Kaplan and Norton. Findings indicate a significant positive relationship between systematic strategic planning practices, including environmental scanning, stakeholder engagement, and performance monitoring, and institutional effectiveness scores on teaching quality, research output, and resource management. Polytechnics that review and update their strategic plans regularly outperform those with static or absent planning frameworks. Recommendations include mandatory strategic planning training for senior administrators and the integration of performance tracking systems into polytechnic governance in Kano State. Keywords: strategic planning, institutional performance, polytechnic management, higher education, Kano State.