Dynamics of Conflict in Nigerian Educational System: Evidence from Nigerian Universities

摘要

Conflict is any form of disagreement between two or more parties. Conflict occurs in the Nigerian school system from time to time. The problem of education funding has been over the years a subject of great concern to all stakeholders in the education sector. The magnitude of this problem has consistently led to strikes by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), NASU, and other bodies coordinating the grievances of the workers. Poor management of conflicts has led to low productivity among staff, closing down of schools, dismissal of staff and students found guilty, and delay in promotion of staff which has hampered the smooth and effective administration of educational institutions in Nigeria. The objective of the study is to investigate the causes of conflict in Nigerian universities. The study used scholarly journals on conflicts in Nigerian universities. All Nigerian universities have experienced one form of conflict or the other. From the exploratory literature, the study discovered that causes of conflict in Nigerian universities include competition for scarce resources, perceived goal incompatibility, drives for autonomy and academic freedom, management style of universities, difference in values and lifestyles, politics and national issues, and communication barrier. The study conclude that conflict cannot be eliminated in Nigerian universities but if properly managed under a good university administration it will result in the peace and progress of Nigerian universities.