Social Studies Students' Perceptions of Avoidance as a Conflict Resolution Strategy in Colleges of Education, North-Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable feature of human interaction, particularly within educational institutions where diverse interests and values intersect. This study examines social studies students' perceptions of avoidance as a conflict resolution strategy in Colleges of Education in North-Central Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting a population of 19,367 students, from which a sample of 649 respondents was selected using random sampling techniques. Data were collected, and a structured questionnaire based on a four-point Likert scale was used to analyse mean scores and t-test statistics. The findings reveal that students generally perceive avoidance as an effective short-term strategy for managing conflict, particularly through mechanisms such as postponement, withdrawal, and counselling. However, the study also identifies significant locational differences in perceptions between urban and rural students (p < 0.05), indicating that contextual factors influence attitudes towards avoidance. While avoidance contributes to temporary stability, it does not necessarily resolve underlying issues. The study concludes that avoidance should be applied cautiously and integrated with more proactive conflict resolution approaches to achieve sustainable peace within educational institutions. Based on the outcome of the study, it was recommended that educational institutions should integrate multiple conflict management strategies rather than relying solely on avoidance; conflict resolution training programmes should be introduced for students and staff; counselling services should be strengthened to support non-confrontational conflict management; and policymakers should consider contextual differences (urban vs rural) when designing conflict management frameworks.