Workplace Stressors and the Mental Health of University Lecturers in Nigeria

This study explored workplace stress and its effects on the mental health of university lecturers in Nigeria, covering six public universities across all geopolitical zones. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 379 lecturers were sampled through a multistage procedure. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, including measures of workplace stress and validated mental health scales (GHQ-12 and DASS-21). Findings revealed that poor remuneration, delayed salaries, heavy workloads, and inadequate infrastructure were the most prominent stressors, with 82% of respondents reporting dissatisfaction with pay and 74% indicating excessive workload as a key concern. Regression analysis showed that these stressors collectively accounted for 46% of the variance in psychological distress, with workload, salary irregularities, and poor remuneration emerging as the strongest predictors. Differences were observed between university types: federal institutions reported higher stress from academic workload and publication demands, whereas state universities were more affected by financial and infrastructural challenges. The results showed that workplace stress among Nigerian lecturers is largely driven by systemic and institutional deficiencies rather than individual vulnerabilities, with significant implications for mental health and professional performance. Based on these findings, it is recommended that university authorities and the government strengthen or implement interventions such as stress management initiatives, mentorship programmes, and transparent promotion policies that improve working conditions and support lecturers’ mental well-being.