The Symbiotic Synergy of Students and Lecturers Relationship in Obong University, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study examined the symbiotic synergy of students and lectures relationship in a University setting, using Obong University in Nigeria as a case study. It is no gainsaying that in a university setting, there is a great diversity in terms of socio-cultural, political, religious and racial backgrounds among students and lecturers. This diversity, with the presence of an appropriate lecturer-student or student-lecturer relationship creates a campus environment that prepares students and lecturers to live and work amicably in a socio-culturally diverse society. It also equips them to respond to an increasing complex global environment; besides, interpersonal relations in diversity which makes room for the generation, advancement and dissemination of knowledge, which is one of the key mission characteristics of university education in Nigeria and elsewhere. Usually, a healthy relationship between the lecturers and students does influence students' academic, personal and social integration into higher education. The study indicated that there is a cordial, interpersonal relationship and peaceful co-relationship between lecturers and students making room for generation, advancement and cool environment for learning. Positive and no negative relationship is found as a result of the background setting of the University. This shows in diversity, making it possible for the generation, advancement and dissemination of knowledge, which is one of the key mission characteristics of university education in Nigeria and elsewhere. Usually, a healthy relationship between the lecturers and students does influence students' academic, personal and social integration into higher education. Response got from the questionnaires and interaction with both students and lecturers couple with participatory observation, revealed that Students-Lecturers cordial relationship has helped to advanced academic learning and exercise possible which undoubtedly will lead to a better trained and enlightened labour force to minimize or reduce illicit activities on campus that will eliminate insecurity, anti-social activities such as armed robbery, prostitution, political thuggery, violence, kidnapping, restiveness and other social vices evident among the uneducated or half baked labour force which could have ordinarily bring about instability, stunted economic growth and development of the Nigerian economy. The research concludes that, addressing the problems of Student- Lecturer relationship must involve all stakeholders. Obong University has a track record of no cultism, providing peaceful, serene and green vegetation for a citadel of learning. All University authorities are encouraged to ensure that good, peaceful and cordial inter-personal relationship devoid of rancor be pursued vigorously which will drastically reduce or eliminate cultism and other vices on campus, thereby making our Nigerian Universities a haven and real citadel of learning which could be compared to any other University in the world.