Title:
EXAMINING FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF ACADEMIC STAFF OF SELECTED FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Authors:
Ogunyemi Festus Femi, Nigeria.

Abstract:
The persistent challenges of knowledge management within the workforce of public universities, which have resulted in a lack of essential skills, necessitated research into the core area of educational development. This study is aimed at enhancing academic performance in Nigeria. This study examined the factors affecting the performance of academic staff in universities across Southwest Nigeria. A survey research design was utilized, with data gathered from 1,263 respondents through a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were applied in the analysis. The findings indicated that tools and equipment had the highest mean score (4.260), making it the most significant organizational factor affecting staff performance, whereas employee engagement ranked lowest among the factors, with a mean score of 4.101. The study further showed that personal factors occupying a leadership position with a mean of 4.310 ultimately affects academic performance, while motivation with a mean of 4.165 ranked the least among the factors. The study concluded that factor affecting academic performance in southwest universities is both positive and negative significant which involved organizational and personal factors. The study therefore recommended that institution management should provide necessary tools to apply knowledge and ensure to give room for specialists and experienced persons to integrate their knowledge. Also, they should provide adequate facilities needed to work with as this is more important to academic staff than the rewards and compensation when the two are compared.