Motivation and Job Performance of Academic Staff of State Universities in Nigeria: The Case of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Niger State

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between motivation and teaching performance on one hand, and motivation and research performance on the other hand. It employs a survey research method in collecting data from academic staff of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), Nigeria. A total of 141 or 64% of the academic staff of the University were sampled out of a population of 219 academic staff. Pearson correlation and linear regression statistical tools were used to determine the relationship as well as the effect of motivation on both teaching and research performances. The result reveals a moderate positive correlation between motivation and teaching performance; and a weak negative correlation between motivation and research performance. It further shows that motivation exerts significant influence on teaching performance but does not exert any significant influence on research performance. The study therefore recommends that universities should take the issue of academic staff motivation seriously to facilitate effective teaching and delivery of knowledge. Universities should also set aside special funds for sponsoring publication and even marketing of researches conducted by the academic staff. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]