Challenges of Outsourcing Security Services in Selected Educational Institutions in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe study examined the challenges of outsourcing human security services by the federal tertiary educational institutions (FTEIs) in Ogun State, Nigeria, namely: Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; and Federal College of Education, Abeokuta. It employed the conflict perspective as theoretical framework and the multistage sampling method, which consisted of the purposive, stratified, and random sampling techniques. Data were generated through questionnaire administered to 783 respondents selected through the stratified and random sampling methods. In addition, 24 key informant and 24 in-depth interviews were conducted in the institutions. The data were analyzed using frequencies, percentage, and content analysis. The findings covered preoutsourcing and postoutsourcing, security outfits and personnel challenges. Cross-examination revealed 65.3% cases of cult violence in Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta; 56.4% in Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro; and 67.9% in Federal College of Education, Abeokuta. Some of the security challenges experienced by the FTEIs were land encroachment, smugglers threat, and invasion by herdsmen. The study recommended that the outsourcing policy be comprehensively reviewed using individualized strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis for each institution so as to provide a uniform regulatory framework and funding by the government.