Perceptions of the Impact of Trade Union Disputes on University Management
This study investigated the major factor associated with trade union disputes and the impact of the disputes on university management. Two research questions were raised and three hypotheses tested. The sample consisted of 281 academic staff, 166 non- academic and 14 students’ union Executive members. The multi-stage stratified sampling technique was utilized in selection of subjects for the study. A questionnaire titled Trade Union Disputes in Nigeria University Questionnaire” (TUDNUQ) was designed to elicit information from respondents-Data obtained were analyzed statistically using Z test and F- Radio test (ANOVA), percentages and standard deviation. From the analysis of data it was found that poor conditions of service and remuneration, under- funding of the University system, poor communication between management and unions, autocratic leadership styles of some university administrators, non-participation of union in university decision making process and government intervention in universities’ internal management were the major factors associated with trade union disputes in Nigerian universities. The main impact of trade union disputes in Nigerian universities included disruption of academic calendar and programmed, low morale among staff, brain drain among professional staff and poor relationship between unions and management. Responsibility in the sampled universities differed significantly in their perceptions of the impact of trade union disputes on students’ academic programmes and on government intervention in universities’ internal management. As a result of the conclusions derived from the study, it was recommended that the Government should inject more funds into the university system and the Education Tax funds should be disbursed appropriately and on time, the conditions of services of university staff should be made more attractive. The Staff unions should be meaningfully involved in the university governance and decision making process. Also, a
