Security Challenges in Universities: Shift-Work and Psychosocial Wellbeing among University Security Personnel

Abstract

Globally, there is a rising wave of insecurity and the universities are not spared from this problem. Terrorism
and violent extremism have become the greatest security threats in most African countries. International terrorist organizations provide support to local groups to foment conflicts and enable organized crime rackets to
destabilize the environment. Nigeria is not an exception as happenings have shown that university environments
are no longer safe for the staff and students due to threatening security challenges. Criminal gangs known
locally as bandits have increasingly targeted universities as soft targets for kidnapping and terror attacks. These
waves of crimes have brought additional responsibilities for University authorities to provide adequate security
particularly the security personnel as they have to work for 24 hour services to ensure safety of lives and
property in the university community. The study examined the impact of shift-work on the psychosocial

wellbeing of security personnel in the University of Ibadan. Ibadan. Oyo State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design was used in the study while simple random sampling was used to select 445 security personnel in the University of Ibadan. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used for data analysis. Correlation matrix revealed correlation between the three Independent variables (physical, social, psychological wellbeing) and work shift. There was also relative contribution of (physical, social and psychological wellbeing) to work shift. Finally, Multiple Regression Analysis revealed joint contribution of physical, social, psychological wellbeing to work shift among security personnel of the University of Ibadan. Based on these findings, the study recommended that
security unit should be well funded and equipped with modern technology such as the provision of CCTV at
strategic locations. There should also be regular training particularly in intelligent gathering on kidnapping and terrorism; finally, there is need for security awareness for the university community at large.