Training and Development Programs and Employee Retention in Public Universities in Enugu State

This study examines the role of training and development programs in enhancing employee retention in public universities in Enugu State, South East Nigeria. The persistent brain drain and high staff attrition rates in Nigeria's public higher education sector have raised serious concerns about institutional continuity and academic quality. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 160 academic and non-academic staff in two federal and one state university in Enugu State. The Human Capital Theory and the Social Exchange Theory form the theoretical foundation of this study. Structured questionnaires and key informant interviews were used as primary instruments, while institutional staff records and published government reports provided secondary data. The study finds that universities that invest consistently in staff development, including conference sponsorships, skills upgrade programs, and postgraduate study grants, experience significantly lower voluntary turnover rates. However, findings also indicate that training benefits are inequitably distributed, with non-academic staff receiving far fewer developmental opportunities than their academic counterparts, deepening workplace inequality. The study also notes a weak linkage between training outcomes and promotional decisions, which diminishes the perceived value of staff development investments. Recommendations include the adoption of inclusive training policies, transparent career progression frameworks, and regular training needs assessments. This research offers practical guidance for university administrators, government agencies, and HR professionals seeking to strengthen workforce stability in Nigeria's public education sector. Keywords: training and development, employee retention, public universities, Enugu State, human capital