Predictors of Babcock University Social Work Students’ Readiness for Intergroup Conflict Resolution in Marginalised Communities

This study investigates the predictors of social work students' readiness for intergroup conflict resolution at Babcock University, Nigeria. Specifically, it explores how awareness of intergroup conflict issues, training exposure, self-efficacy, and fieldwork experience influence students' preparedness to engage in conflict resolution, particularly within marginalised communities. Using a quantitative research design with a cross-sectional survey approach, data were collected from 130 social work students across the 200-, 300-, and 400- levels. The study employed Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analyses to examine the relationships between the predictors and readiness for conflict resolution. The results showed that awareness (r = 0.587, p < 0.05) and training exposure (r = 0.381, p < 0.05) were the strongest predictors of readiness, with significant positive correlations. Fieldwork experience (r = 0.402, p < 0.05) also showed a moderate positive relationship, while self-efficacy (r = 0.254, p < 0.05) had a weaker, yet still significant, positive effect. The regression model explained 64.2% of the variance in students' readiness, indicating that the combination of these factors strongly predicts students' preparedness for intergroup conflict resolution. The findings suggest that integrating theory with practical exposure, enhancing self-efficacy, and expanding fieldwork opportunities in conflict-prone settings could significantly improve students' readiness for real-world conflict mediation. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on social work education, emphasising the need for curriculum improvements and policy adjustments that promote experiential learning and capacity-building for future social workers. These insights are valuable for educators, curriculum planners, and community-based agencies seeking to better prepare students for effective conflict resolution in marginalised communities.