This paper examined the relationship between teaching and research performance of lecturers in the context of federal polytechnics in North-Eastern Nigeria. A simple random sampling method was used in selecting a total of 320 lecturers and 600 students from the polytechnics. For this study t-Test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and percentage were used to carry out the analysis. Our results show that there is zero or no relationship between been active researcher and been a qualitative teacher. We also suggest that the institution should employ astute researchers as well as passionate teachers in order to satisfy the mission of tertiary institutions and meet societal and industry expectations.