COUNSELING, CONFLICT, AND PEACE BUILDING IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM NIGER DELTA UNIVERSITY

Educational Psychology

This study examined the prevalence of conflict situations, the effectiveness of counselling services, and the peace-building strategies employed by students and staff in Niger Delta University. A descriptive survey research design was employed, aimed at addressing two key research questions: the prevalence of student-related conflicts and the effectiveness of counselling services in resolving conflicts. The study targeted students and staff of Niger Delta University, with a sample of 150 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, "Peace Building and Conflict Resolution Strategies in Niger Delta University Questionnaire," which was validated by experts and found to have a reliability coefficient of 0.87 via the Cronbach Alpha formula. The data were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to address the research questions. Findings revealed that conflicts were prevalent among students, with counselling services playing a significant role in resolving these conflicts. Also, various peace-building strategies, such as dialogue, mediation, and workshops, were commonly used. However, challenges like inadequate resources and limited awareness were identified. Based on the findings, recommendations include improving counselling service accessibility, enhancing peace-building initiatives, and addressing the underlying causes of conflicts to foster a more peaceful campus environment.

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