This study seeks to ascertain academic staff level of motivation, dissatisfaction and performance at work. The study employed a survey research method to collect research data from academic staff of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, Nigeria. A total of 141 or 64% of the academic staff of the University were sampled out of a population of 219 academic staff. Descriptive statistical tools were used to measure the research variables. The study reveals that academic staffs are very highly motivated at work and also highly contented with the working environment. The study further revealed that staff performance as it relates to teaching is very high while their performance in the areas of research and other publications is moderate. It is therefore recommended that universities and other tertiary institutions should take the issue if academic staff motivation seriously to facilitate effective teaching and delivery of knowledge.