MANPOWER PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION ANDPERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES IN THE SERVICE OF FEDERAL COLLEGES OF AGRICULTURE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of manpower planning and its implementation on employees’ performance within the service of three Federal Colleges of Agriculture in Nigeria. Data were collected from 253 respondents using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results show high levels of manpower planning (mean = 4.02) and moderately effective implementation (mean = 3.74). Employee performance was also rated high (mean = 4.04), suggesting a generally productive workforce. However, some weaknesses were identified, particularly in areas such as inadequate funding, limited communication of manpower plans, and resource adequacy. These gaps suggest implementation inconsistencies and limited performance feedback mechanisms. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between manpower planning and employee performance (r = 0.724), and between implementation and performance (r = 0.753). Regression findings confirm that both manpower planning (β = 0.724, p < 0.001), implementation (β = 0.753, p < 0.001) and manpower planning (β = 0.344, p < 0.001) jointly with implementation (β = 0.421, p < 0.001) significantly predict employee performance. These findings highlight the necessity of aligning manpower planning with institutional goals and ensuring effective implementation mechanisms to optimise staff output. The study recommends the strengthening of manpower planning with effective implementation mechanisms enhance employee performance in the Civil Service.