Role of Vice-Chancellors on Conflict Resolution Management in Nigerian Higher Institutions: Lessons from Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife

Abstract

The study examined the roles and causes of leadership crisis and management strategies adopted in the attempt to resolve conflicts involving students, lecturers and non-academic staff versus vice chancellors in Nigeria higher institutions with particular reference to Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Two basic methods of primary are adopted here, viz, questionnaire and personal interview. The questionnaire was essentially utilised to assess the leadership role of Vice Chancellor in conflict management. This becomes useful when one considers the fact management of conflict resolution is always focussed around the person and office of the incumbent Vice-Chancellor in most universities.The Interview method allows for face-to-face analysis of events thereby making it possible for clarification on controversial issues. In this way, one is opportune to ask further questions germane and relevant to this study. Data derived from the secondary sources include data already provided by original investigators. In this study, the secondary data sources include books on university administration, conflict and conflict management, governance and other relevant books and journals. Others are published and unpublished articles, official documents, dissertations, magazines and publications. Two former vice chancellors were examined as regards the problem of perennial crisis in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. Respondents were asked to rate the two former vice chancellors using their organisational competence, leadership style and positive relation with staff and students as rating criteria. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive analysis such as scores and percentage. The study discovered evidences of mismanagement of conflict which made most conflicts in the universities violent. It observed that most conflicts in Nigerian universities might have been averted if the leadership in Nigerian universities could be more democratic, sensitive, and flexible in conflict periods. The study concluded that the welfare of staff and students should be given more attention if perennial conflicts with school authority are to be overcome in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.