Conflicts As Constraints to Effective Management of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: The Way Forward

Abstract

This study examines the concepts of conflict and constraints and their antecedents in tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It makes a clarification of causes, and types and conflict management in higher institutions of learning. The paper observes that management staff, students, teachers, government. Trade Unions may be sources of conflict for one reason or the other. Nevertheless, the outcomes of such conflicts causes prolong of academic activities, destruction of life and properties and in some cases render school environment completely insecure for serious academic activities not beneficial to students, institutions and the society at large. It recommends that the way forward should be proper handling of higher institutions by management and government to be more democratic in handling conflicts by creating avenues for discussing and designing. The paper concludes that conflict is an attendant feature of human interaction in every organization which cannot be eliminated, therefore, maintaining a cordial relationship between staff, students by school authority, is necessary, also involving students and trade unions in decision making process appeared to be the most effective way forward for effective management of tertiary institutions.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2013.v4n8p77