The Relationship Between Organisational Communication and Employee Morale in the Nigerian Tertiary Education Sector: A Study of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

This study investigates the relationship between organisational communication and employee morale at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Effective internal communication is widely recognised as foundational to maintaining a motivated and engaged workforce, yet Nigerian universities frequently struggle with information asymmetries that breed uncertainty and disengagement among staff. The study adopts a survey design, with 200 respondents drawn from academic and non-academic staff across ABU's multiple faculties and administrative units using stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire based on the Organisational Communication Scale provides the primary data instrument. Berlo's SMCR Communication Model frames the theoretical approach. Findings reveal a significant positive correlation between effective downward communication from management and employee morale levels. The study also documents that inadequate communication during periods of organisational change, such as salary revisions or policy reforms, is a primary driver of morale deterioration. Staff in peripheral departments report lower morale scores, which correlate with weaker information access compared to centrally located units. Recommendations include the establishment of a university-wide digital communication portal, regular town hall meetings with senior management, and departmental communication liaison officers. This research fills an important gap in Nigerian HRM literature by providing university-specific evidence from the North West zone on the communication-morale nexus. Keywords: Organisational Communication, Employee Morale, University, Ahmadu Bello University, Internal Communication.