TALENT MANAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC STAFF PERFORAMNCE OF BAUCHI STATE UNIVERSITY GADAU

This study examines the impact of talent management on the performance of academic staff at Bauchi State University, Gadau, with a particular focus on the two Faculties in Yuli campus. The study aims to explore the effects of three key aspects of talent management: talent attraction, talent retention, and talent transfer, on academic staff performance. The entire population of 111 academic staff members was included as the sample size for this research. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and subsequently analyzed using both descriptive statistics and regression analysis to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings indicate that talent attraction significantly enhances academic staff performance, as evidenced by the statistical results (B=0.818, t=13.327, p=0.002). Similarly, talent retention was found to have a significant positive effect on performance (B=0.734, t=15.293, p=0.000), and talent transfer also contributed positively to performance (B=0.719, t=14.412, p=0.000). Based on these results, the study recommends increasing awareness among employees to take full advantage of opportunities for talent discovery, development, and nurturing. The recent approval by TETFUND for the establishment of an entrepreneurial hub/centre at Bauchi State University, Gadau is highlighted as a strategic initiative that could further support talent management efforts. The study also underscores the importance of recognizing, engaging, and adequately rewarding talented employees to enhance retention and secure a competitive advantage for the institution. Additionally, the existing committee system within the university should be strengthened to facilitate effective talent transfer through structured mentoring programs. Keywords:Talent management, talent attraction, talent retention, talent transfer, academic staff performance.