Abstract: Institutional conflicts between university administrations and staff unions remain a persistent global governance challenge, undermining institutional stability, organisational effectiveness and educational quality. Although previous studies have examined industrial disputes, collective bargaining and labour relations, limited attention has been given to how governance practices influence conflict outcomes, particularly in Nigerian public universities. This study analyses the governance factors driving recurrent conflicts, examines the roles of trust, legitimacy and stakeholder participation, and develops an integrated conflict governance framework for public universities in south-west Nigeria. Kriesberg and Dayton’s Conflict Governance, Douglass North’s Institutional and Lederach’s Conflict Transformation Theories anchored the study. Adopting a qualitative exploratory case study design, primary data were generated from 64 participants comprising 20 key informants (Vice-Chancellors and Union Chairmen) and 44 in-depth interviews with Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Bursars, union secretaries and treasurers involved in joint negotiation meetings across four public universities. Data were analysed thematically and narratively. The findings identified weak governance, inconsistent implementation of agreements, ineffective communication, political interference and limited stakeholder participation as the principal drivers of recurrent conflicts. Conversely, transparent leadership, procedural fairness and continuous dialogue strengthened legitimacy, fostered trust and promoted constructive labour relations. The study concludes that sustainable union-administration relations require accountable, participatory conflict governance and recommends institutionalising inclusive decision-making, strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms and ensuring consistent implementation of negotiated agreements to promote industrial harmony in Nigerian public universities.
Keywords: Institutional conflict, Conflict governance, Union-administration relations, Institutional trust, Nigerian public universities.