Strike Action And The Academic Performance Of Students In Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the effects of strike action and the academic performance of students in Benue State University, Makurdi. The study adapted a descriptive design with a sample size of 400 respondents. Six research questions were raised from six purposes which leads to the formulation of three null hypotheses to guide the investigation. The instrument for data collection was the questionnaire which was crafted to suit the purpose of the study and it was administered to the undergraduate and Post-Graduate students. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies as well as mean and standard deviation in answering research questions. χ ²-test was used to test null hypotheses 1, 2 and 3 at 0.05 alpha level of significance. Findings showed that majority of respondents agreed with all the items with regards to students’ perception about strike action carried out by ASUU, strike actions influence students’ CGPA as well as overall academic performance of the students, there is significance relationship between students reading habits and academic activities due to ASUU strike among other influences. Based on the findings of the study, it was established that Government education polices and the associated inactions and the strike embarked upon by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have contributed to the poor academic performance of the university students in Nigeria. It was recommended that the avoidable conflict between the government and ASUU must not be allowed to jeopardize the academics and future of Nigerian students, Education in Nigeria must be given its pride of place; the government must strive hard to meet the United Nation’s minimum standard. Nigerian Universities cannot be locked up permanently and government must take moves that will nip this problem of strike permanently into the bud so as to create a conducive learning environment for our students.