Job Satisfaction and Psychiatric Morbidity among Nigerian University Academics: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from Ahmadu Bello University

Abstract

Introduction: This cross-sectional study examined job dissatisfaction and psychiatric morbidity among 250 lecturers at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria, using the Generic Job Satisfaction Scale (GJSS) and depression, generalised anxiety, and suicidality modules of the Mini Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). 

Results: Most participants were male (74%; n = 185), married (88%; n = 220), and senior academic staff (72%; n = 180), with a mean age of 45.9 years. A striking 76.4% (n = 191) reported job dissatisfaction, and 54% (n = 135) had a psychiatric disorder, primarily depression (39.2%; n = 98), followed by anxiety (10.8%; n = 27) and suicidality (4%; n = 10). Key predictors of psychiatric morbidity included job dissatisfaction (adjusted OR = 73.38, p < 0.001), junior academic staff status (adjusted OR = 6.87, p < 0.001), unsatisfactory wage (adjusted OR = 5.38, p < 0.001), lack of concern by management (adjusted OR = 45.45, p < 0.001), lack of recognition for a job well done (adjusted OR = 2.93, p < 0.001), and job insecurity (OR = 6.95, p < 0.001). Job dissatisfaction was strongly linked to lack of recognition for a job well done (adjusted OR = 42.86, p < 0.001), unsatisfactory wage (adjusted OR = 74.28, p = 0.002), lack of concern by management (adjusted OR = 68.30, p < 0.001), and junior rank (adjusted OR = 5.76, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: All respondents reported dissatisfaction with their wages. The study highlights alarmingly low job satisfaction and high psychiatric morbidity among lecturers, posing risks to academic performance in Nigeria. Addressing factors such as adequate recognition for a job well done, improved mental health services for employees, and fair compensation is critical to improving mental health and job satisfaction in academia.