ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CAPACITY BUILDING INITIATIVES ON NON-ACADEMIC WORKFORCE PERFORMANCE IN GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION: A NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives on the performance of non-academic staff in higher education institutions, with Nigeria serving as a representative case within the broader global context. Non-academic staff constitute the administrative and operational backbone of universities, providing essential support for academic, research, and governance functions. Yet, in many developing countries, inadequate access to structured training and professional development constrains efficiency, adaptability, and innovation. Drawing on comparative insights from international literature and empirical evidence from Nigerian higher education, the study evaluates the extent to which capacity-building programs enhance job performance, motivation, and institutional productivity. The findings reveal that continuous, well-funded, and contextually relevant training initiatives substantially improve employees’ technical competence, professional confidence, and service quality. The paper concludes by underscoring the importance of integrated human resource policies, evidence-based capacity-building frameworks, and global collaboration to strengthen non-academic workforce performance and promote sustainable excellence in higher education management.