Conflict management in tertiary institutions: A study of selected universities in south-western Nigeria

Background: Conflict constitutes a major significant factor in human interaction because of the interdependent relationship of individuals. However, its effective management and strategies are imperative for growth and development in an organisation or a society. Aim: This study examines conflict management in Nigerian tertiary institutions to examine the extent to which conflict management engendered stakeholder participation in the two institutions since their establishment and to investigate whether the performance of a conflict management board in two institutions has improved since their establishment. Setting: Nigerian tertiary institutions – with specific reference to Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos (LASU) and Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo state (AAUA). Methods: The study used primary and secondary sources, such as structured questionnaires, interviews and published journals, textbooks, newspapers, magazines and Internet. The sample size consisted of 500 respondents (280 from LASU and 220 from AAUA, respectively). Percentage method and Chi-square non-parametric technique were used to analyse the data. Results: The study findings revealed that conflict management has engendered stakeholder participation in decision-making and conflict resolution in the selected universities. Also, the performance of the conflict management board in LASU and AAUA has recorded significant progress in terms of managing crisis and peace building. Conclusion: The study concludes that conflict in the spate of tertiary institutions and it hinders the development of the educational system. Hence, it is impossible to attain a conducive environment in the higher institutions characterised by conflict. The study advocates for strong effective mechanisms on conflict management that will pave the way for stakeholders’ participation in decision-making of institutions