Abstract

Purpose - The ability to meet the high demand for education in Nigeria is lacking, making the region remain backwards in education. Given this reason, the study investigates the role of innovation capability in the relationship between intellectual capital and competitive advantage in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Research design, data, and methodology - The study is cross-sectional research, a total of 427 questionnaires were administered to respondents. The study distributed its questionnaire across 12 faculties at the University of Ibadan using a random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using ADANCO 2.1.1. Result - The study reveals that human capital, structural capital, relational capital, and innovation capability positively affect competitive advantage. Innovation capability mediates the relationship between human capital and relational capital. However, structural capital was not mediated by innovation capability. Conclusion - The study concludes that intellectual capitals and innovation capability are crucial to maintaining a competitive advantage over their peers. Achieving more significant success in the variables mentioned earlier will help Nigeria's tertiary institutions compete locally and internationally.