Labour Union Strikes and the Performance of Public Universities in Nigeria: A Study of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Nnamdi Azikiwe University Chapter, Awka

Globally, universities are fundamental to the development of human capital, innovation, and economicgrowth and Nigeria is not in exception but a lot of challenges such as persistent, complex andmultifaceted labour union strikes in higher institutions is impacting not only on the institutions,students, faculties, the broader society but at the same time have repercussions on the performance ofuniversities, leading to disrupted academic calendars, delayed graduations, and compromisededucational quality. Labour union strikes has been a strong treat to educational development and astumbling block to effective learning in the Nigerian institute of higher learning most especially in theuniversities. This study explores the multifaceted effects of Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) strikes on academic staff, on academic performance of students, on the overall universityperformance both in Nigeria and beyond among others. The study anchored on Conflict Theory ofKarl Marx (1818–1883), which posits that societal changes occur when oppressed groups challengeestablished power structures, resulting in realignments in relationships. The theory provides insightsinto how conflicts over inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and unsatisfactory working conditionshighlight power struggles within the higher education system leading to the tensions on universityperformance, including academic disruptions and the erosion of institutional credibility. The decisionsmade today will influence the Federal Government and university stakeholders to establish a robustconflict resolution mechanism to address grievances before they escalate into industrial actions.Government should prioritize the welfare of academic staff by ensuring prompt payment of salaries,providing research grants, and funding professional development programs, improve the generalconditions of the ASUU members for the betterment of the university performance.