Implication of ASUU Strikes o n the Performance and Survival of Small Medium Scales Business in Selected Public University in South West Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the implication of the Academic Staff of Universities Union (ASUU) strike on the performance and survival of Small and Medium Scale Businesses (SMEs) in selected public Universities in South West Nigeria. The ASUU Strike action was identified as the discord that occurs when the Federal government's goals, interests, or values and the Academic Staff Union of Universities are incompatible. Strike, however, becomes inevitable when attributes such as a refusal of union recognition, public policies, failure of collective bargaining, etc., were identified as some of the reasons and causes of the ASUU strike. However, the paper identified that the ASUU strike has significantly impacted the performance and survival of businesses in and around the environment of Nigerian universities because, during these strike actions, students often leave for their respective homes. Therefore, the paper recommended that all stakeholders involved in industrial relations adopt systematic and sustainable mechanisms, which include collective bargaining and industrial understanding, in addition to political solutions toward arresting the embarrassing, incessant, and recurring spate of ASSU strikes. Government and other stakeholders should comply with the content of the agreement made with academic unions to avert strikes, as this not only cripples the academic calendar but also affects businesses and other economic activities within the environs of the universities.