ABOUT LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS (LMR) DEPARTMENT

 

1.0 PREAMBLE

The Labour Management Relations (LMR) Department is a core training Department of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin. The department plays a strategic role in strengthening industrial relations through training, research, advisory services and capacity building.

The Department is one of the key training Departments of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies. It serves as a vital link between workers and management, with the primary aim of promoting a healthy industrial relations climate.

The department focuses on improving workplace harmony through training, education, research and consultancy services. It equips labour union leaders with relevant skills while also educating management on contemporary labour practices. By doing so, it helps transform industrial relations from a confrontational approach to a cooperative and productive system.

 

3.0 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The LMR Department emerged from the former Training Department of the Institute. Initially, the Institute operated a single broad training Department. However, in December 2003, the Training Department was restructured into two specialized departments namely:

• Labour Management Relations (LMR) Department; and
• Trade Union Education (TUE) Department

Since its establishment, the LMR Department has developed into one of the leading departments within the Institute’s faculty.

 

 

4.0 LEADERSHIP OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department has been led by the following Heads of Department (HODs):

• Hajia (Mrs.) Modinat Omolara Folorunsho (Pioneer HOD, Dec. 2003 – 2015)
• Mr. Ezekiel Ayorinde (2016)
• Mrs. Olaide Ajiboye (2019)
• Dr. Olu-Adams Ajakaye (2021)
• Mr. Ajayi Adeyemi Abdulrazaq (2022)
• Mr. Ezekiel Ayorinde (2023)
• Dr. Lawal Moshood O. (January 1st 2026 – Date)

 

5.0 DEPARTMENTAL STRUCTURE

The Labour Management Relations Department is structured into two main divisions:

1. Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations
2. Organizational Development

 

6.0 FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department performs a wide range of functions, including:

1. Identifying training needs in labour-management relations
2. Coordinating and organizing training programmes and projects
3. Preparing and presenting academic and training papers
4. Mediating and facilitating dialogue on industrial relations issues
5. Developing training curricula and materials
6. Providing advisory and intervention services on labour-related matters
7. Evaluating and updating training programmes
8. Implementing “train-the-trainer” initiatives
9. Preparing reports on training and consultancy services

• Conducting advocacy, sensitization, and awareness programmes
• Identifying and engaging external resource persons and guest lecturers
• Sourcing participants for regular and customized (in-plant) training programmes

 

7.0 KEY FUNCTIONAL AREAS

Training and Capacity Building

The department designs and delivers training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills of union leaders in negotiation, labour law and collective bargaining.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation

It provides training on managing industrial disputes, equipping participants with skills in grievance handling and mediation to prevent strikes and disruptions.

Labour Relations Advisory Services

The department offers guidance on labour laws, international labour standards, and compliance with the International Labour Organization (ILO).

Research and Development

It conducts research on industrial relations, workplace productivity, occupational safety and emerging labour trends.

Promotion of Social Dialogue

The department fosters collaboration between employers and employees through workshops and engagement platforms that encourage mutual understanding.

Modernization of Labour Practices

It introduces modern labour management techniques such as the use of labour statistics, development of collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) and change management strategies.

The department currently have tested, trusted and competent academics, trainers, education officers and researchers with diverse experiences in LMR, Industrial Relations, Collective Bargaining Issues, ADR, Conflict Resolution, HRM and other areas endeavours.

8.0 CORE OBJECTIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT

The department is guided by the following objectives:

• Industrial Peace: Promoting harmony and reducing workplace conflict
• Increased Productivity: Enhancing employee skills and organizational efficiency/productivity
• Strengthening Trade Unionism: Building effective leadership and stable union structures

 

9.0 CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Labour Management Relations Department has trained participants across Nigeria and internationally, including regions such as the United States, Europe, West Africa and East Africa.

The department has also provided training and consultancy services to several prominent public and private organizations, including:

• Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA)
• Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
• Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
• Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC)
• Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)
• Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR)
• Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC)
• Various state governments and trade union affiliates such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) among several others too numerous to mention.

 

10.0 CONCLUSION

The Labour Management Relations Department plays a critical role in promoting effective industrial relations through training, research consultancy services. By fostering cooperation between labour and management, the department contributes significantly to industrial peace, improved productivity and sustainable economic development.

Its continued efforts in capacity building and policy support position it as a key department that project the institutionand mandates of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS)in advancing labour relations/education both within Nigeria and internationally.

 

Dr. Lawal Moshood O

Ag. HOD LMR