Abstract: The study investigated the motivation and job performance of career administrators in universities in South East, Nigeria. The survey research design was employed for the study. The study was carried out in South East, Nigeria. A sample of 498 career administrators in universities in South-East Nigeria was used for the study. The instrument used for data collection was the university career administrator’s motivation questionnaire and interview schedule. Results revealed that career administrators were motivated by the job itself, interpersonal relations and administration and supervision but were not motivated by salary and general working condition. Therefore, it was recommended that the government should ensure regular/prompt payment of salaries and also ensure that the general working conditions are favourable to adequately motivate career administrators to work. In-services and professional training programmes should be provided for career administrators to keep them abreast with the latest changes in their job.