CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN NIGERIA; A CATALYST FOR PEACE

Ofor-Douglas Stella

Abstract

This paper discusses conflict management in university education in Nigeria.  Conflict refers to a clash of interest between two persons or a group of people.     A majority of Nigerian universities are characterized by conflict issues. These conflict issues have given rise to hostility within the university environment thus there is a decline in the development and progress of the universities in Nigeria. The aim of this paper is to provide various ways through which conflict can be effectively managed so as to promote national peace. The objective of this paper is to resolve conflict issues in the universities. The paper also discussed the various ways of effectively managing conflict in university education in Nigeria which include the inculcation of peace education in the university curriculum, proper management of university resources, provision of adequate facilities, amongst others. The causes of conflict in the university were discussed to include lack of facilities, unfair university policies, extortion of money from students by lecturers, security personnel, sexual harassment, absence of peace education in the curriculum amongst others and it was concluded that conflict is a part of human existence and that if not properly managed, would amount to a decline in the development and progress of the university. The paper proffered ways forward from the effects of conflict in the university to include the adoption of good leadership skills by university administrators, punishment of offenders of sexual harassment, provision of adequate facilities for the university, sacking of greedy administrators upon thorough investigation amongst others.