Impact of Continuous Professional Development on Academic Staff Performance in Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria

Abstract

This study delved into the impact of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on the job performance of academic staff at Sokoto State University in Northwest Nigeria, focusing on teaching, research, and community service functions. Utilizing a cross-sectional survey design, data were systematically gathered from 216 academic staff members through a structured questionnaire survey. Various descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, were employed. The findings underscored the significant positive impacts of CPD on teaching (R=0.322; R2=0.104; F=24.822; p=.000) and community service (R=0.309; R2=0.096; F=22.662; p=.000) performance, emphasizing a favorable correlation between professional development initiatives and these aspects of academic responsibilities. However, the research identified a statistically insignificant impact of CPD on research performance (R=0.116; R2=0.013; F=2.920; p=.089) within the academic staff at Sokoto State University. Thus, the study concluded that while CPD significantly enhances teaching and community service proficiency, its influence on research performance appears inconsequential in this academic context. The research proposed recommendations to optimize CPD program effectiveness at Sokoto State University, explicitly addressing challenges associated with research activities. By providing nuanced insights into the varied impacts of CPD on academic responsibilities, this study contributes to targeted interventions and strategies for comprehensive professional development in the academic sphere.