Collective Bargaining Agreements and ASUP Strikes in Nigerian Federal Polytechnics

This study investigated the relationship between collective bargaining agreements and ASUP strikes in Nigerian Federal Polytechnics. Appointment of Rectors, National Commission for Polytechnics, NEEDS Assessment were used as components of the independent variable. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey in its investigation of the variables. Primary source of data was generated through self- administered questionnaire. The population were the registered members of ASUP from the federal polytechnics that collective bargaining was based upon, totaling Eleven Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty Six (11,636) staff. The sample size of three hundred and eighty seven, (387) was arrived at using the Krejcie and Morgan Table (1970). The study made use of primary data collection (questionnaire). The research instrument was validated through expert’s vetting and approval while the reliability of the instrument was achieved by the use of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with all the items scoring above 0.70.  Top of FormDescriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data collected using the SPSS software to analyze the questionnaire statements and test the hypotheses. Data generated were analyzed and presented using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The hypotheses were tested using the Spearman’s Rank Order Correlation Statistics. The tests were carried out at a 95% confidence interval and a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that collective bargaining agreements had significant relationship with the recurring ASUP strikes in Nigerian Federal Polytechnics. Similarly, the dimensions adopted for this study all had significant relationships with the study’s dependent variable. The study recommends that Government and other policy makers in the Polytechnic industry should encourage a merit-based selection process for the appointment of Rectors within the polytechnic sub-sector. Develop clear criteria for eligibility that prioritize academic and administrative experience, fostering a culture of internal promotion. Additionally, establish a consultative platform involving ASUP and other relevant stakeholders in the selection process to enhance transparency and minimize disputes. This approach can contribute to a sense of ownership and cooperation, potentially reducing the frequency of strikes.