Variables Inducing Trade Union Disputes in Nigerian Universities

Abstract

The University occupies a strategic position in the production of high level manpower for the development of any nation. Rampant strikes or work stoppages in the system as a result of disputes embarked upon by Trade Unions to press forth their demands are contrary to the demands of a growing economy. The loss of time or session, man-hours and brain-drain through incessant Trade Union disputes must therefore be avoided. This study investigated Trade Union disputes in Nigerian universities especially in respect of ASUU and SSANU with the main purpose of identifying some variables inducing Trade Union disputes in Nigerian universities. One research question was posited from which four null hypotheses were formulated and tested. A sample of 720 respondents were drawn from 7 Federal and 5 State Universities in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria as at 2004, using the proportional stratified random sampling technique. The instrument titled “Variables Inducing Trade Union Disputes Questionnaires (VITUDQ)” was used to generate data to test the hypotheses. The data collected were analysed, using the z-test of significant difference. Findings revealed the plausible variables inducing trade union disputes in Nigerian universities as under funding of universities, poor conditions of service of university staff and the leadership styles of some university administrators. Some recommendations were made which could help to minimize Trade Union disputes if implemented.

Keywords: Trade union disputes; Nigerian Universities.

The Nigerian Journal of Guidance and Counselling Vol. 11 (1) 2006: pp. 146-156