THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT ON THE LIFESTYLE OF STUDENT IN NIGERIA UNIVERSITY: A CASE STUDY OF BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY

This study investigated the effect of conflict management on educational development in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The aim was to examine how conflict arising from issues such as land disputes, political rivalry, stakeholder exclusion, and resource marginalization affects the implementation and progress of educational initiatives, and how conflict resolution mechanisms contribute to educational advancement within the area. The study adopted a descriptive survey design and utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data from 266 respondents, selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using simple percentages, tables, figures, and chi-square () statistical method to test the hypotheses. The results revealed that conflict significantly impedes educational development in Obio Akpor, with land disputes and disagreements over project ownership identified as common causes. However, it was also found that effective conflict management practices particularly those involving traditional leaders, elders, and inclusive dialogue greatly enhance educational project success and community-government cooperation. Conversely, the absence of structured frameworks and persistent distrust toward government authorities were found to hinder peaceful conflict resolution and slow the pace of development. The study concluded that educational progress in Obio Akpor is highly dependent on the quality, timeliness, and inclusiveness of conflict management strategies. It recommends the institutionalization of structured conflict resolution frameworks, increased community involvement in decisionmaking, and depoliticization of educational development efforts. This research contributes to knowledge by offering a localized understanding of how grassroots conflict affects education and by proposing community-based strategies for sustainable development