Digitalization of Conflict Management and Intergroup Relationship Building in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

The increasing diversity of students and staff in Nigerian tertiary institutions has intensified the need for effective conflict management and the promotion of positive intergroup relationships. Traditional approaches to managing disputes and fostering intergroup cohesion are often manual, slow, and limited in reach, resulting in delayed resolution and escalation of conflicts. Digitalization, through the integration of online grievance systems, virtual mediation platforms, social media monitoring, and data management tools, offers a transformative approach to addressing these challenges. This paper examines the benefits and challenges of digitalizing conflict management and intergroup relationship processes in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Using a position paper model and grounded in Systems Theory, the study argues that digitalization can enhance efficiency, transparency, inclusivity, proactive conflict prevention, and intergroup collaboration. The paper also highlights key challenges, including infrastructural limitations, low digital literacy, ethical concerns, resistance to change, and financial constraints. The study concludes that strategic adoption of digital technologies, complemented by human oversight and policy frameworks, can significantly improve conflict resolution and intergroup harmony in Nigerian tertiary institutions.