Assessment of the Socioeconomic Impact of ASUU Strikes on Local Business Enterprises in the University of Lagos Community

<p>The socioeconomic impact of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike on businesses operating in and around the University of Lagos. This study investigated the socioeconomic effects of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike on businesses operating within and around the University of Lagos. It assessed how the strike influenced the types and nature of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), revenue, job losses, and the coping strategies employed by affected businesses. A hybrid theoretical framework combining systems theory and structural functionalism was adopted, conceptualizing the university as a subsystem of a larger urban network, which emphasized its synergistic role within the community. The study employed a survey design and incorporated both qualitative and quantitative methods to examine 226 businesses. Purposive, clustering, and stratified sampling techniques were utilized. Data collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that over 90% of businesses experienced staff retrenchment, with 323 jobs lost, and total revenue declining from ₦58,570,000.00 pre-strike to ₦34,440,000.00 during the strike. Most businesses relied on personal savings for funding, exposing them to financial vulnerabilities. Policy recommendations included increased government funding for education, the establishment of a mediation body to resolve disputes, and support for SMEs through financial aid and training. University authorities were advised to enhance communication, develop contingency plans, and foster partnerships with local businesses. These measures aimed to minimize disruptions during future strikes, ensuring both academic continuity and economic resilience in university communities.</p>