Optimal Assignment of Teaching Staff to Departments Using the Hungarian Method at a Federal Polytechnic in Anambra State

Inefficient staff assignments in Nigerian polytechnics often result in mismatches between lecturer competencies and departmental needs, adversely affecting academic quality. This study applies the Hungarian method to solve the assignment problem of optimally allocating 18 academic staff members to seven departments at a federal polytechnic in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. Data on staff qualifications, specialization areas, course load preferences, and departmental requirements were collected through structured interviews and institutional records. A cost matrix is constructed using a composite performance score that weights academic qualification, years of experience, and student evaluation ratings. The Hungarian algorithm is applied step-by-step to arrive at the optimal assignment that minimizes the aggregate performance deficit. Findings reveal that the current assignment deviates substantially from the optimum, with four staff members assigned to departments where their competencies are poorly matched. The optimal assignment improves the composite performance score by 31 percent over the existing configuration. The study also explores the effect of constraint modifications, such as mandatory assignments due to contractual obligations, and demonstrates how partial constraint relaxation can improve outcomes. Recommendations include institutionalizing a competency-based assignment process supported by the Hungarian method or equivalent optimization tools. This research highlights the broad applicability of assignment models in academic human resource planning within Nigerian tertiary institutions. Keywords: Hungarian method, assignment problem, staff allocation, polytechnic, Anambra State