Promotion incentives and the dynamics of research motivation among Technical and Vocational Education and Training lecturers in Nigerian universities

This study explored the motivations underlying research and publication engagement among Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) lecturers in Nigerian universities. Guided by Self-Determination Theory, the study sought to understand the interplay of intrinsic interest, extrinsic incentives and institutional conditions shaping research productivity within TVET departments. Using a qualitative interview design, data were collected from 47 purposively selected lecturers across four public universities representing different geopolitical zones. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts generated four major themes: intrinsic drivers of research engagement, extrinsic motivators linked to promotion procedures, institutional conditions influencing research output and challenges to sustaining consistent scholarly productivity. Findings revealed that although lecturers expressed intellectual curiosity, personal fulfilment and a desire to contribute to disciplinary development, intrinsic motivation alone was insufficient to sustain regular publication. Promotion requirements emerged as the dominant motivator, with most lecturers indicating that research activity would decline significantly in the absence of promotion-linked incentives. Institutional constraints, including heavy teaching workload, inadequate funding, limited facilities, weak mentoring structures and high publication costs, which further inhibited research engagement. The study concludes that research culture within TVET departments is largely externally driven and constrained by systemic barriers. Strengthening institutional support systems, reducing workload, enhancing mentoring and aligning promotion criteria with quality rather than quantity are essential for fostering sustainable research productivity. The findings provide insight for policymakers, university administrators and academic leaders working to enhance scholarly output and professional development within Nigeria’s TVET sector.