An Investigative Study on the Causes and Solutions to Students Unrest in Nigeria (A Case Study of Ile-Ife Osun State)
Chapter One
Purposes of the Study
The study specifically intended to:
- Determine the causes of student unrest in the Ile Ife metropolis.
- Determine whether there exists any significant difference in age, gender, religion, status and type of institution in relation to both the causes of student unrest.
- Identify the implications of student unrest.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Our focus in this chapter is to critically examine relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and furthermore recognize the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Students’ Unrest
The term ‘students’ unrest’ connotes a feeling of dissatisfaction by the students either with the authority of the general conditions of the student’s body. This dissatisfaction is usually manifested in such overt behavior as boycott of lectures, refusal to take part in examinations, meals or part in sporting activities, demonstration, riots, and strikes. It sometimes takes the form of frivolous outburst, football riots, pantry raids and faddish activities.
It can be an open manifestation of conflicts between the student body and the school authority and/or between the student’s body on the one hand and the government on the other. Oloko (1981) defined the term ‘students’ unrest’ as A situation in which students in secondary or other higher Institutions resort to the use of or threat of use of violence Against persons or properties in their attempt to resolve any Issue of conflict of interest they may have with other people In their own interest.
These other people may be other students, Staff or the administrators on one hand or public authorities, National or foreign on the other.
Student unrest is a term that has been perceived in a number of ways, for instance, Odetan (1991) views it as of double folds. He said the first fold is between the students and the school authority and the second is between the students and the government. He said the second is usually more infectious and of wider realm as it usually involves many higher institutions at the same time. Oloko (1986) perceives student unrest as a situation in which students in higher institutions resort to the use of threat or violence against people or property in attempt to resolve issues or conflicts of interest they may have with other people. These other people may be the other students , lecturers, school administrators, on one hand, and public authorities on the other hand. Oyedeji (1980) also looks at student unrest, is a way for students to demand the perpetuation of the privileges enjoyed by them and even to seek additional concessions, rather than conform to the rules and suffer in silence. He believes that student revolts appears to be an international affaire since Universities all over the world are involved and that every campus is gripped by a vicious circle of crises and commotion. Students Unrest can be defined as a disturbed situation in tertiary institutions whereby students resorts to the use of threat or violence against the school authorities or government.
Students’ unrest in our institutions is a big social problem for it affects our society in general. As a societal problem, it is very necessary for everybody in the society with it. This goes to explain why there has been a lot of newspaper articles and radio broadcast on students’ unrest from day to day. Sanya (1981) commenting on the issue said, “Nigeria was rocked almost to its foundation by waves of students’ unrest in 1970 to 1980 decade.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e. mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried out to examine the causes and solutions to students unrest in Nigeria using Ile Ife Osun State as case study. Hence, the population of this study comprises of students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of two hundred(200) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which all were returned and validated. For this study a total of 200 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS:
Introduction
This chapter summarizes the findings on the causes and solutions to students unrest in Nigeria using Ile Ife Osun State as case study. The chapter consists of summary of the study, conclusions, and recommendations.
Summary of the Study
In this study, our focus was to examine the causes and solutions to students unrest in Nigeria using Ile Ife Osun State as case study. The study specifically was carried out to determine the causes of students’ unrest in Ile Ife Metropolis, determine whether there exist any significance difference in age, gender, religion, status and type of institution in relation to both the causes of students unrest, and identify the implications of students unrest.
The study adopted the survey research design and randomly enrolled participants in the study. A total of 200 responses were validated from the enrolled participants where all respondent where students of students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State.
Conclusions
Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that;
- There is no significant differences between age and the causes of students unrest.
- There is no significant differences between gender and the causes of students unrest.
- There is no significant differences between religion and causes of students unrest.
- There is no significant differences between status and the causes of students unrest.
- There is a significant differences between the type of institution and the causes of students unrest.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proffered.
- It is essential and important to allow student participation in decision making which affects their educational attainments.
- Student Union Officers should be made to meet with the school authorities on regular basis to discuss internal issues affecting the student’s welfare. This regular meeting between the school authorities and the students Union Officers becomes important as it will bridge the communication gap between the student’s body and the school authorities.
- Bridging the communication gap between the school authorities and the student body improves student/ school authorities and student/ staff relationship. This will enable the school authorities to know ways of attending to students’ genuine complaints on time before students start to unrest.
- More fund should be provided for Higher Institutions Nigeria by both Federal and State Governments. This will enable the school authorities to improve the welfare conditions of students in their various schools.
- The Federal Government of Nigeria should look into the working conditions of lecturers because they need to be motivated to put in their best so that students are fully equipped. This is of great importance because students are the future leaders.
- A standing committee that is made up of conflict management and resolution experts be set up in the school for immediate intervention into conflict situations in the school.
- Peace education programmes should be introduced into school curriculum and environment for students and staff to understand the beauty of resolving their differences through peaceful means rather than violent ways.
REFERENCE
- Abdulkareem. Y.(1992) issues in Nigeria Education, Ilorin: Kewulere press Adeseye, O.C (1991) student crisis in Nigeria state universities, problems and prospects. Unpublished 1991 B.Ed. thesis, Unilorin
- Adeyemi T. O, (2009) Causes, Consequences and Control of Student’s Crises in Public and Private Universities in Nigeria. Academic Journals of Educational Research and Review. Vol. 4(4) 156-163.
- Ahmed, A.Y. (1998), ‘’Causes of Students Unrest and the Basis of Students Power in Nigeria: A theoretical Discourse in Africa Peace Review Journal of Research and Conflict Resolution. Vol. 2 (2)1998.
- Ajibade, D. (1993) students’ protests in Nigeria, Ibadan; Emia Publications
- Akeusola O, Viatonu O, Asikhia O. A, (2012); perceived Causes and Control of Student’s Crises in Higher Institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. Journal of Education and practice, Vol. 3(10)29-43.
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- Albatch, P. G. and Cohen, 1990. American Students Activitism: The Post-sixties Transformation. Journal of Higher Education, 61:32-49.
- Aluede, O, Jimoh B, Agwinede B. O, Omoregie E. O,(2005) Student. Unrest in Nigeria Universities: Looking Back and forward: Journal of Social Science Vol. 10(1) 17-22.
