INCENTIVES AS A MEDIATING FACTOR IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING IN FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC OKO, ANAMBRA STATE, SOUTH-EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract: The employees of any tertiary institution are responsible for the production of the human capital needed by the nation to effectively pursue and efficiently accomplish the goals and objectives of national development. Within the framework of reinforcement theory and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, an eclectic approach, this study examined incentives as a mediating factor in enhancing the quality of teaching and learning with specific reference to federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra state, South-East Nigeria. This study which is empirical in nature drew its arguments both from primary and secondary data which include: questionnaire, textbooks, journal publications and internet sources. Relevant sources of this research were fairly and professionally scrutinised, understood and tested with the available literature for the purpose of the research. Inter alia, it included scan-reading, comprehensive and critical reading and writing down ideas. Authoritative scholarly sources were reviewed, during a desktop study. Data collected was presented using simple percentages and hypotheses were tested using Pearson Correlation statistical tool and simple Regression model. The study found that there is a significant relationship between in-service training and quality of teaching and learning. Also, that there is a significant nexus between payment of excess workload and employee commitment there too. The study therefore, recommended among others, that the practice of in-service training through mentorship and coaching should be formalized in the institution and other higher institutions of learning in Nigeria.