Towards Strengthening the Relationship between Trade Unions and University Management in Nigeria

Abstract

Universities are a repository of the most specialised and skilled manpowers. They are places where the manpower needs of a nation are nurtured. However, the management of these institutions is becoming complex nowadays because of the ravaging conflicts between the universities management and the various trade unions in the system. This paper therefore examined the various causes of conflicts between the trade unions and the university managements, which include: poor funding of the system, poor condition of service, and bad leadership style of university administrators. Recommendations were made on how to strengthen the relationship between the unions and the university authorities. They are proper funding and judicious uses of the fund allocated; better condition of service; principle of democratic governance; conducive teaching-learning environment and better information channel.

Keywords: trade unions, university administrators, conflicts, democratic governance, committee system