Perception of Academics towards Knowledge-Sharing for Academic Activities in Kano State Nigeria

Background: This study explores the perceptions of knowledge-sharing among academic staff in engineering faculties at universities in Kano State, Nigeria, recognizing its critical role in disseminating and creating new knowledge within academic environments.

Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was employed. A stratified random sample of 192 academic staff was selected from Bayero University Kano (BUK) and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil (ADUST). Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages.

Findings/Results: The findings indicate that faculty members actively engage in sharing tacit, explicit, and specific knowledge through teaching, research, mentoring, and supervision. They exhibit positive attitudes toward knowledge-sharing, fostering a collaborative academic environment conducive to enhanced academic output and innovation.

Implications: The positive knowledge-sharing culture among engineering academics supports increased collaboration, innovation, and productivity, which can strengthen academic institutions and their contributions to society.

Conclusion: A robust culture of knowledge-sharing exists among engineering academics in the surveyed universities, providing a strong foundation for collaborative academic environments.

Recommendations: Universities should adopt diverse knowledge-sharing strategies, such as brainstorming, face-to-face and virtual conferences, and webinars supported by digital technologies, to further enhance academic collaboration and productivity.