ASUU Strike in Nigerian Universities: Implications for Students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

Abstract

The strike embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in Nigeria has significant impact on different stakeholders. Hence, this study investigated the implication of ASUU strike on students in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, by examining the lifestyle of students during ASUU strike; its effects; and the coping strategies employed by the students during the strike. This study was conducted among undergraduates of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. Cross-sectional survey design was used and 132 undergraduates were sampled using convenience sampling. Primary data were collected through the questionnaire, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as simple percentage and frequency count. Results showed that more students engaged in actively participating in social media and praying for the strike to be over, relaxation, and learning of skills while gardening, getting a certification course or interim job were the least engaged by students during the ASUU strike. The results above indicated that boredom was the highest effect of ASUU on students’ lifestyle, followed by worry and by anxiety while mental issues was the least felt consequence of ASUU strike by students. The study also revealed that the students employed some coping mechanism such as praying for an end to the strike, social media usage, learning a skill and even sleeping to mitigate the implications of ASUU strike. The study then concluded that the disruption of academic activities during the ASUU strike made students engage in different lifestyles while overcoming its effects by using coping strategies.