The Retention-Performance Nexus: Lecturer Turnover and Students Academic Performance at Nipa, Zambia (2020–2025)

The study assessed the effects of lecturer turnover on student academic performance at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives: to identify the causes of lecturer turnover, determine the most prevalent type of lecturer turnover and examine the relationship between lecturer turnover and Students Academic performance. The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. A descriptive and explanatory research design was used to collect data from students, lecturers, human resource personnel and administrative staff at NIPA. Stratified random sampling was used to select student respondents. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and document reviews and were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that lecturer turnover is a noticeable challenge at NIPA, with voluntary turnover being the most prevalent form, largely driven by better employment opportunities, career advancement prospects, and improved working conditions elsewhere. The study further established that lecturer turnover negatively affects student academic performance through poor course coverage, reduced teaching quality, disruption of learning continuity, delays in syllabus completion, and inadequate academic guidance. Findings also indicated that staff retention strategies such as competitive remuneration, staff development opportunities, promotion prospects, recognition and rewards, job security and conducive working environments play a significant role in reducing lecturer turnover. The study concludes that lecturer turnover has adverse effects on student academic performance and institutional effectiveness. It recommends strengthening staff retention strategies through improved remuneration, enhanced career development opportunities, supportive working conditions and effective employee recognition systems to promote lecturer stability and improve educational outcomes at NIPA and other public higher learning institutions in Zambia.