CONFLICT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AMONG ADMINISTRATORS IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTH-SOUTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

Conflict remains a recurring challenge within educational institutions, often threatening institutional stability and performance. This study investigated the extent to which administrators adopted conflict management strategies to promote peaceful coexistence in tertiary institutions in South-South Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the extent to which avoidance and compromise strategies were utilized by administrators in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, using a population of 1,598 administrators in all 18 federal tertiary educational institutions (eight federal universities, seven federal polytechnics and three federal colleges of education) in South-South Nigeria. A sample size of 320 administrators was used for the study. The sample size was derived using the Taro Yamani formula. A structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used to collect data. Cronbach’s alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. Reliability yielded coefficient values of 0.91 and 0.84 for the two clusters and an overall reliability value of 0.88. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, and ANOVA. The results showed that administrators adopted the avoidance strategy to a great extent and the compromise strategy at a small extent in tertiary institutions in South-South Nigeria. The results also showed that there were no significant differences in the mean ratings of the respondents on the extent of adoption of avoidance and compromise strategies for peaceful co-existence based on type of institution and years of experience. The study concluded that administrators who effectively integrated avoidance and compromise strategies enhanced institutional peace, staff motivation and organizational productivity. It recommended regular training, mediation frameworks and participatory governance models to strengthen conflict resolution practices in Nigeria’s tertiary education system