Components of Professional Development as Predictors of Academic Research Productivity in Universities in Anambra State

Abstract

This study examined components of professional development as predictors of academic staff
research productivity in universities in Anambra State, Nigeria. Anchored on Human Capital
Theory, the study adopted a correlational research design. The population comprised 3,276
academic staff from Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu
University, with a sample of 356 selected through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected
using the Professional Development Questionnaire (PDQ) and Academic Staff Research
Productivity Questionnaire (ASRPQ), and analysed using multiple regression and ANOVA.
Findings revealed that professional development components research grants, fellowship
programmes, sabbatical leave, workshops, and conference attendance jointly have a strong
and significant predictive value (R = 0.846; R² = 0.715) on research productivity. Workshops
and conferences were the strongest predictors. The study concluded that effective professional
development programmes significantly enhance research productivity and recommended
increased funding, strengthened fellowships, and greater participation in research-focused
activities.