THE CANONICAL AND THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES OF FAITH, DOCTRINE, AND GOVERNANCE ON STAFF POLICIES IN NIGERIAN CATHOLIC INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

This study examines the canonical and theological underpinnings of governance policies in Nigerian Catholic institutions, focusing on the interplay of faith, doctrine, and administrative principles. Using a hermeneutical methodology, the research interprets key canonical texts, including Canons 810, 750, and 752, to elucidate governance frameworks for faculty recruitment, evaluation, and dismissal. The analysis integrates civil legal provisions, such as Nigeria’s constitutional labor statutes, to address the intersection of ecclesiastical mandates with statutory obligations. Canon 810 is highlighted as a pivotal directive that underscores faculty qualifications in terms of scientific and pedagogical competence, doctrinal integrity, and moral probity, while ensuring procedural fairness. This canon also delineates the supervisory roles of ecclesiastical authorities in safeguarding institutional identity. the study articulates a dual framework that respects institutional autonomy and ecclesiastical oversight by aligning canonical principles with civil governance requirements,. The research further explores the balance between academic freedom and Catholic identity, emphasizing the necessity of doctrinal fidelity within a context of intellectual inquiry. Challenges such as ambiguous interpretations of “doctrinal integrity” and “probity of life” are addressed through recommendations for clear institutional policies, transparent governance processes, and faculty training programs. Through promotion of alignment with canonical, theological, and civil expectations, the study provides a comprehensive governance model that supports the mission of Catholic universities as centers of academic and spiritual excellence.