ADMINISTRATORS’ TALENT MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AS PREDICTORS OF LECTURERS’ RETENTION IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITIES IN NORTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The decline in lecturers’ retention in Federal Universities in North-eastern Nigeria has raised
concerns about the effectiveness of Administrators’ Talent Management Strategies (ATMS).
This study examined ATMS as predictors of lecturers’ retention in the region. A predictive
correlational design was adopted, with a study population of 17,592 academic and senior nonacademic
staff. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 604 respondents were selected from
three randomly chosen universities out of the seven in the North-east. Participants were
proportionately sampled and purposively drawn from lecturers who were available and willing
to participate. Data were collected using two validated instruments: the Administrators’ Talent
Management Strategies Questionnaire (ATMSQ) and the Lecturers’ Retention Questionnaire
(LRQ), with Cronbach’s Alpha reliability coefficients of 0.84 and 0.81, respectively. Mean and
standard deviation were used to answer research questions, while regression analyses tested
the hypotheses. Findings revealed that ATMS, specifically staff attraction, motivation, and
professional development strategies, were moderate in the study area but significantly
predicted lecturers’ retention in Federal Universities in North-eastern Nigeria (F (3, 556) =
16872.876, p < 0.05). The study concluded that enhancing ATMS is crucial to strengthening
lecturers’ commitment and curbing attrition. Recommendations include improving and clearly
communicating career advancement opportunities, as well as integrating both intrinsic and
extrinsic motivational strategies. A supportive work environment that prioritises recognition,
professional growth, and fair conditions is essential for sustaining retention in the region’s
universities. These findings underscore the critical role of strategic talent management in
sustaining academic stability and advancing educational development in conflict-prone
Northern Nigeria.