THE IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION (ASUU STRIKE) ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

ABSTRACT

This research was embarked upon to assess the Impact of Industrial action (ASUU strike on the academic performance of University students in Benin metropolis. In view of this, the research questions were raised and various literature and theories were used as a scaffold for the study. The research utilized a purposive random sampling technique. It also adopted a mixed research design which is the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods which was made possible through the administration of questionnaires to 150 students of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and obtaining relevant information from journals, write ups and from other related materials. It employed two theories: Authority and conflict theory by Ralf Dahrendorf and the Equity theory by John Stacey Adam. The data obtained was analyzed in a tabular form and Chi-square was used to test the hypothesis. Findings from the frequency table of the research revealed that ASUU strike has a negative impact on the academic performance of University students in Benin metropolis. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that ASUU strike also leads to an extension of study and a setback in the time it takes for students to graduate. Additionally, the disruption of academic programmes can lead to depression and emotional trauma among students. Therefore, it is recommended that government should adopt a proactive approach in order to avert the incessant strike by ASUU and the government should increase budgetary allocation to education and ensure that these funds are really utilized in order to minimize the impact of ASUU strike on the academic performance of students.