| The general problem is that many leaders of Nigerian institutions of higher learning have problems in eliminating the threat of violent acts against campus students because of the activities of gangs or cult members on campus. The specific problem is that more than 140 students have died in cult-related activities (Smah, 2001, 2005). An unsafe and insecure learning environment creates fear and destabilizes student learning potentials. This qualitative grounded theory research was carried out to explore the study participants' perceptions of campus safety management at the University of Benin. The researcher had some basic assumptions about the problems university leaders face in controlling the violence on campus which include the violent activities of campus cults; lack of funds for the safety projects and for remuneration of workers; the unplanned geometrical expansion of university population, lack of research on campus safety, and not allowing students' participatory democracy (Aluede & Oniyama, 2009; Eguavoen, 2008; Ibrahim & Ademiluyi, 2009; Creswell, 2008; Smah, 2001). The findings in this study have identified five main themes grounded in theory about possible causes and recommendations for solving the problem of the unsafe nature of campuses. The themes are (1) Cancelling hostels (2) Using solution box (3) Obeying rules and regulations (4) Using better instructional and assessment methods; and (5) sustaining effective leadership. Universities should receive adequate funding from federal, state, corporate organizations, and benevolent individuals. The cause of campus violence is beyond cultism. Campus security needs constant supply of electricity and manpower. |
