Training Needs Analysis and Factors Affecting Animal Science Lecturers’ Job Performance in Tertiary Institutions of Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The training needs and factors affecting Animal Science Lecturers' job performance in tertiary institutions of Abia State, Nigeria were investigated. Thirty (30) Animal Science lecturers were purposively selected from Michael Okpara University of Education, Umudike and the Abia State College of Education Technical, Arochukwu to represent the sample population for the study. The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire. The most preferred trainings needed by the lecturers were the information and technology communication (ICT) skills among others. These training needs can be fulfilled through in-service training programmes, short/certificate courses, awards of post doctorial/internships/fellowships, attending the Nigerian Institute of Animal Science (NIAS) Mandatory Continuing Education Programmes (MCEPs), engaging in online/e-learning programmes, conferences, workshops, seminars and field trips. Inadequate finance, lack of time and poor scheduling of training programmes, poor institutional financial support/sponsorship, poor institutional facilities to implement the learning experiences after training and ignorance on the existence of educational/training programmes were identified as impediments to fulfilling their training needs. It is recommended that, the University authorities should establish a Directorate of exchange and linkage that could help in sourcing for training opportunities/programmes, lecturers should be properly trained in information communication and technology (ICT) skills to gain requisite knowledge in the use of computers to source for training for opportunities. Finally, the university authorities should provide adequate institutional facilities such as laboratories, equipment, etc to enable the lecturers trained in a particular area of expertise to effectively implement their learning experiences after training.