Conflict Management in Tertiary Institutions: Lessons from University of Ilorin, Kwara State

This study investigates conflict management practices at the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, in Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone, offering practical lessons for conflict management professionals in higher education settings. University environments generate diverse conflicts involving student unions, academic staff associations, management, and non-academic staff, which when mismanaged can disrupt academic calendars and damage institutional reputation. Using a professional case study research design, data were collected through structured interviews with 25 senior administrators, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chapter officials, student representative council members, and human resource officers at the University of Ilorin. Analysis of the university's conflict incident records from 2020 to 2024 provided quantitative context. The theoretical framework is anchored in interest-based mediation theory and institutional conflict management models. Findings indicate that the University of Ilorin has developed a hybrid conflict management approach combining formal statutory dispute channels with informal consultative processes, producing relatively lower conflict escalation rates compared to national averages for public universities. Critical success factors include active engagement of the Vice-Chancellor's office in early-stage conflict prevention and established relationships between management and union leadership. However, gaps remain in handling student welfare conflicts and sexual harassment cases, where existing protocols are inconsistently applied. Recommendations include developing a comprehensive University Conflict Management Policy, training departmental conflict management liaisons, and establishing an independent student grievance ombudsman office. Keywords: conflict management, tertiary institutions, University of Ilorin, higher education, professional practice.