THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SIDES OF INCESSANT ASUU STRIKES IN NIGERIA: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY BASED ON ACADEMIC STAFF PERCEPTIONS

Abstract

This study examined the conceptions of incessant Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike actions in Nigeria public universities and identified the positive and negative sides of this action to university teachers. A qualitative research design of narrative type was used for this study. Twelve academic staff were sampled based on their availability to participate voluntarily in the study. Twelve individual interviews with academic staff were conducted. A list of fifteen (15) categories was generated to conceptualized incessant ASUU strikes in Nigeria public universities. Results showed that the context of incessant ASUU strikes were perceived as involvement in politics, desire for continuation, civil responsibility, engagement, research output, and programs disruption. The most positive outcomes of incessant ASUU strikes to academic staff was engagement in terms of stress aversion, alleviating burnouts, and natural work leave. The most negative outcomes of incessant ASUU strikes to academic staff was programmed disruption in terms of disruptive academic calendar, loss of productive time, and over-extension of study programs. The findings revealed that incessant ASUU strikes in Nigeria public universities have been designed to maintain the integrity of university education and the need to provide global standard quality education. The study recommended that the University management should initiate ‘Semester Break’ to relief lecturers from academic burnout. Academic staff in public universities should work closely with their Union chapters to promote quality university education.