HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE RETENTION OF ACADEMIC STAFF IN PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA
Abstract
Human capital development is pivotal to enhancing employee retention, particularly in academic institutions where intellectual capacity drives institutional sustainability. This study examines the relationship between human capital development and academic staff retention in private universities in Southeastern Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey design, sampling 350 academic staff across five private universities using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using regression and correlation analyses. The findings reveal that human capital development significantly influences academic staff retention. The regression analysis indicates that job satisfaction (B = 0.50, p < 0.001) and professional development opportunities (B = 0.45, p < 0.001) are the strongest predictors of retention. Training programs (B = 0.30, p < 0.001) and career advancement opportunities (B = 0.25, p < 0.001) also contributed positively to retention. The ANOVA results confirmed the model’s significance (F(5, 344) = 60.00, p < 0.001). Pearson’s correlation analysis further established a strong relationship between career advancement opportunities and staff retention (r = 0.712, p < 0.01). The study recommends that private universities implement structured professional development programs, transparent promotion criteria, and robust career progression paths to enhance staff retention. Additionally, institutional policies should focus on job satisfaction and mentorship programs to foster long-term commitment among academic staff. The findings provide empirical evidence that investing in human capital development is crucial for reducing staff turnover and enhancing institutional stability
Keywords:
Human Capital Development, Staff Retention, Career Advancement, Training Programs, Job SatisfactionDownloads
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Copyright (c) 2025 Adedoyin, Isaac Salami (Ph. D), Osuolale, Misbaudeen Olatunde (Ph. D), Enyioko, Ikechukwu Jacinta (Ph. D.) , Enyioko, Chilaka Onyekachi (Ph. D)

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