In the evolving landscape of higher education, good governance particularly when approached through a transformative lens, plays a vital in fostering institutional effectiveness, transparency, and accountability. As such, every higher education institution (HEI) must have a delegation of authority. This evolution calls for continued exploration of the intersection between governance frameworks and institutional effectiveness, particularly in addressing the dynamic challenges of the higher education sector. Transformative delegation of authority is a critical aspect of governance which ensures that decision-making processes are efficient and well-aligned with institutional goals. Unfortunately, the evolving landscape of higher education comes with the growing discourse on governance. Therefore, a transformative approach to delegation of authority policy is not merely a procedural tool but a strategic enabler of good governance is required.

In light of the above, the question that begs for an answer is: How does transformative delegation of authority policy influence good governance in higher education institutions? This paper explores the role of delegation of authority policy as a driver of good governance in higher education institutions (HEIs). It underscores how structured delegation frameworks can enhance operational efficiency, promote accountability, support institutional autonomy and uphold the transformation agenda of HEIs. This paper identifies key elements of an effective delegation of authority policy, including clarity in roles and responsibilities, alignment with institutional objectives, regular policy reviews, and mechanisms for monitoring and feedback. It highlights how these elements contribute to a culture of shared governance, where stakeholders at all levels are empowered to contribute meaningfully to institutional development. Furthermore, the paper discusses the importance of balancing delegation with accountability to prevent misuse of authority while fostering innovation, responsiveness and agility in service delivery.

The research adopts a qualitative methodology and examines how the delegation of authority policies influences good governance outcomes with the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between delegation frameworks and governance practices. The basis for this research is that institutions with well-defined and transformed delegation policies have the potential to enhance decision-making agility, reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve stakeholder trust. Conversely, institutions with vague or overly centralized delegation frameworks often face challenges such as delayed decision-making, role ambiguity, and diminished accountability.

A significant contribution of this research is its focus on the implications of transformative delegation policies for good governance in the context of HEIs in developing regions, where governance challenges are often compounded by resource constraints and socio-political dynamics. The findings emphasize the need for tailored policies that address specific institutional contexts while adhering to global best practices. The paper will further provide actionable recommendations for policymakers, governments and university leaders who would like to strengthen their governance through improved delegation mechanisms.

Keywords: Transformation Agenda, delegation of authority, higher education institutions, accountability, well-governed institutions, sustainability.