Conflict Resolution Strategies in Non-government Secondary Schools in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated perceived CRSs (conflict resolution strategies) for the resolution of conflicts in non-government secondary schools in Benue State, Nigeria. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided this study. Proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used in drawing 15% of the population which gave a total of 500 respondents. The instrument used was CRSs questionnaire. This was used to collect data from respondents comprising principals, teachers, proprietors, and students. A four-point scale was used for the ratings of the respondents. Mean and SD (standard deviation) were used to answer the research questions. T-test statistic was used to test hypotheses 1 and 2, while a one-way ANOVA (analyses of variance) was used to test hypothesis 3 at significance level of 0.05. The major findings of the study are unnecessary interferences with the administration of the school by the proprietors and arbitrary increase of school fees by the school management, among others, constitute major sources of conflict. Findings on strategies for resolving conflicts include: agreeing on the procedure taken for the resolution of conflicts, encouraging parties to work together, taking staff and students’ comments and suggestions, and involvement of school disciplinary committee and public complaint commission, among others. Based on the findings, recommendations were made.