TALENT ATTRACTION AND ACADEMIC QUALITY OF NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-WESTERN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Academic Quality (AQ) is to bring about totality of an improved teaching, research and service delivery in the Nigerian university system. AQ in Nigerian universities in the 60s/70s had declined compared to the current situation. Although, several factors have been attributed to this but these universities failed to look at the talented (First Class Graduates-FCGs) concerning their potential and performance. The study, therefore investigated the influence of Talent Attraction Factors (TAFs) on AQ in universities within the South-western, Nigeria. Descriptive survey design with mixed type was adopted. Data were collected from nine (three each of Federal, State and Private) universities which were randomly selected. All the 335 identified FCGs lectures were selected using purposive technique. The study revealed that job advancement, recognition for work and competitive salary/remuneration were TAFs. These TAFs must be put in place by the government and university authorities with adequate element of sustainability to enhance AQ in Nigerian universities.