This study examined the relationship between Human Resource Practices (HRP) and lecturers’ job performance in state universities in North-Central States, Nigeria. The study specifically focused on recruitment and training and development as key human resource practices influencing lecturers’ job performance. The study was motivated by persistent concerns over poor recruitment procedures, inadequate training opportunities, low staff motivation, and declining academic productivity in Nigerian state universities. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 4,498 lecturers in state universities across the North-Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria, while a sample of 500 lecturers was selected using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed on a four-point Likert scale. The instrument was validated and administered through direct delivery method, achieving a 100% return rate. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) to answer research questions, while Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings revealed that there is a positive and significant relationship between recruitment and lecturers’ job performance (r-cal = 0.413 > r-tab = 0.321). The study also found a significant relationship between training and development and lecturers’ job performance (r-cal = 0.424 > r-tab = 0.321). The results indicate that effective recruitment practices and continuous training significantly enhance lecturers’ teaching effectiveness, productivity, and overall job performance. The study concluded that Human Resource Practices play a crucial role in improving lecturers’ job performance in state universities in North-Central Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that universities should adopt merit-based recruitment procedures and strengthen continuous staff training and development programmes to enhance academic performance and institutional effectiveness.