Effect of Remuneration on Employee Job Satisfaction: A Study of Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State

This study investigates the effect of remuneration on employee job satisfaction at Federal Polytechnic, Bida, in Niger State, Nigeria's North Central geopolitical zone. Remuneration represents one of the most debated determinants of job satisfaction in academic institutions, influencing staff morale, productivity, and retention in the Nigerian higher education sector. This research adopts a survey research design with questionnaires administered to 108 academic and non-academic staff across various departments. Data were analysed using frequency tables, means, standard deviations, and regression analysis. The study examines remuneration components including basic salary, housing allowance, medical benefits, transport allowance, and pension contributions, mapping each against affective and cognitive dimensions of job satisfaction. Results indicate that basic salary adequacy and medical benefits are the most influential remuneration components on overall job satisfaction levels. Housing allowance satisfaction showed moderate associations with job satisfaction, while pension contributions were perceived positively but had weaker direct effects. A substantial proportion of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current remuneration structure, citing irregular payment schedules and inadequate salary reviews as primary concerns. The study recommends that polytechnic management and the relevant government agencies prioritise timely salary payment, initiate periodic remuneration reviews, and improve welfare benefit packages. These findings contribute to the evidence base on compensation management in Nigeria's public tertiary education sector. Keywords: remuneration, job satisfaction, polytechnic, Niger State, compensation.