UNIVERSITY CRISIS AND EDUCATIONAL DECADENCE IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITIES: (THE CASE OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES FOR THE PERIOD 2010 – 2020)

Abstract

The Nigerian universities have witnessed an unprecedented distortion in the academic calendar due to incessant crises of different levels and intensity.  The history of Nigeria Universities cannot be told without the inclusion of events that surround closures owing to strikes.  Strikes of various natures have contributed to the continued retrogressive development in the standard and quality delivery in our education system, especially during the period under review.   These crises have over time deterred them from meeting the demands of the 21^st century.  To this end, this paper examined the relationship between these crises and the decadence in our educational sector.  To achieve this, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated.  A survey method was adopted using the questionnaire as a tool to elicit information from 100 respondents randomly selected from the three (3) principal unions in the university.  5 focused group discussions were adopted comprising of students from different levels.  Interviews involving other stakeholders outside the university were also conducted.  Data from the respondents were analysed using the chi-square and regression statistical tool.  Results indicate that there is a significant relationship between the university crisis and the level of decadence in our standards of education leading to decadence within the past decade.  Paper recommends that a more collaborative approach involving major stakeholders in our educational sector is key to sustaining the system without undue interruptions.  Government should as a matter of transparency be open to dialogues and ensure commitment to agreed terms with the academic unions.